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JVIfs.  AleJtandep  Proudfit. 


^■i^'M^'-ii'^JIJL:   :■  :y — ,    •■***>;*: 


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MEDITATIONS 

A  N"D 

CpNTEiMPLATIONS 

O  N 

THE  SUFFERINGS 

Of' 

OUR   LORD    ylA'D    SAriOUR 
JESUS    CHRIST; 

IN-    WHlCrt 

THE    HISTORY    OF    THE    PASSIOX, 

AS    GIVEN   BY  THE    lOUR    E  V  A  \i^  GE  L  I  S  TS, 
IS    CONNECTED,    H.I  P.  MO. VISED  ^  er  EXPLJLYED. 

WIVH   SUITABLF.    PKAYJiKv    AND     IFFICES    OF    DEVOTION. 

BY  J.  RAMBACH,  D.  D. 

LATE    OF    fHE    VNIl  FliSIti-    OF    ClESSr.y. 
IN     THREE     PARTS, 

CO.S  1  AlNliVG, 

T,  Tlie  SuflTcriiigs  of  Christ   in  the    Gurt\c:n,  and  before  iho  Spinnia-l 

Court  of  tiie  Jews. 
II.  Ilis  Suffering-s  before   the  Chil  Tribunal    of  Pihite  find  Herod. 
Jll.  His  Sutterings  on  Mount  Golg-othu 

AVITH  AN  APPEXDDC, 

Containing  a  Fast  Sermon,  preccheJ  at  Jena,  in  Lent,  ^72\,  entitled  th- 
Prince  of  Life  comlemned  to  dealli,  lit/  J.  ItiunuavU,  S-  T.  i'. 

fXx^i  ^mrrtcan  CCi-ion, 

EROJI    THE     LAST    LO.VDON     Er>ITIO>:j 

T  R  A  X  S  L  .\  1' n  D 

FROM    TME    GERMAJT. 
IN    TW  O    VOLL  Aits, 

VOL.  n. 

XEW-YOUK : 
yiiis'rnn  .i.v.n   puKi.mfED  nr  y    zc;'",    so.   65    o/rryj-nv- 

ST'KliET. 

1811, 


OF     THE 

SUFFERINGS 

OF 

CHRIST 

BEFOr.E    THE    CIVIL     TRIBUNAL    OF    TILALE    ANJi 
HEROD. 

CONSIDERATION  IV. 

THE     GOOD     CONFESSION      WhlCH      CHRIST     MADE 

CONCER.NI      G    rllS    KINGD.M  B  i.FwRI:.   PO.N  TIUS 

riLATE    THE    ROMAN    GOVERNOR. 

*  Jesus  answered,  my  kirigdom  is  not  of  thi.-5 
world:  if  my  kingdom  were  of  this  world,  then 
Avould  my  servants  fight,  that  I  should  not  be  deliver- 
ed to  the  Jews:  But  now  is  my  kingdom  not  from 
hence.  Pilate  therefore  said  unto  him,  art  thou  a 
king  then  ?  Jesus  answered,  thou  sayest  that  I  am  a 
king.  To  this  end  was  I  born,  and  for  this  cause 
came  I  into  the  world,  that  I  should  bear  witness 
unto  the  truth.  Every  one  that  is  of  the  truth, 
heareth  my  voice,'  (John  xviii.     6,  37.) 

\Ve  have  before  observed,  that  the  point  concern- 
ina*  Christ's  kingdom  was  under  examination  before 
the  civil  tribunal  of  Pilate.  For  the  high  Priests  and 
Eiders  having  accused  our  blessed  Saviour  of  pre- 
tending to  be  a  king,  Pilate  questioned  him*  about 
that  particular,  and  asked  him,  art  thou  the  king  of 
the  Jews?  But  our  blessed  Lord,  before  he  returned 
a  direct  imswer  to  this  question,  put  a  previous  ques- 
tion to  Pilate,  in  order  to  learn  \vhat  idea  he  had  an- 
nexed to  this  title,  the  king  of  the  Jews.  Accor- 
dingly Jcsus  said  unto  Pilate,  '  Sayest  thon  this  of 
thyself,  or  did  others  tell  it  thee  of  me?'  Pilate,  in- 


4  C  Jill  I  ST  S    SUFiElllNGS    BEFOR£ 

deed,  seems  to  have  resented  this  answer,  and  b) 
another  question,  viz.  '  What  hast  thou  done  ?'  was 
for  puttin£^  the  eause  on  anotlitr  issue.  But  our  bles- 
sed Saviour  keejis  to  the  essential  point ;  and  answer- 
ing- Pilates  former  question  in  the  words  which  wc 
hive  cited  above,  makes  a  good  conlcssion  of  the 
true  nature  or"  his  kingdom. 

This  he  docs  with  the  greatest  wisdom,  discre- 
tion, and  fortisig-ht ;  so  that  in  the  first  place,  accor- 
ding to  tlie  idea  which  PikUe  iiad  conceived  of  the 
accusation,  namely  that  a  temporal  king  was  therein 
meant,  he  answers  the  question  in  the  negative.  But 
on  the  contnuy,  with  legaixl  to  the  sense  whicli  the 
titie  of  king  of  the  Jews  bears  in  the  writings  of  the 
prophets,  his  ansAver  is  affirmatiA  e.  By  this  our 
blessed  Loi'd  has  set  Ifis  suffering  members  a  pattern 
of  wisdom  aiid  prudence,  and  shears  how  to  make 
proper  distinctions  in  answering  intricate,  ambiguous, 
and  ensnaring  questions. 

Hence  it  appears  that  this  good  confession  of 
Chribt  concerning  his  kingdom  consists  of  two  parts. 

In  the  first  part  oi"  his  confession,  Jesus  rectifies 
the  false  notion  that  Pilate  hdd  formed  of  his  king- 
dom, and  gives  iiini  to  understand,  that  he  is  no  tem- 
poral king. 

In  die  second,  he  explains  the  true  nature  of  his 
kingdom,  and  shews  that  he  is  a  spn'ilual  king. 

I.  In  the  first  part  of  our  Saviour's  wise  and 
good  confessiun,  wherein  he  rectifies  the  false  idea 
^rhich  Piiate  had  of  his  kingdom,  wc  may  observe 
these  three  particulars. 

First,  He  confesses  that  he  really  has  a  kingdom  ; 
for  he  expressly  mentions  it  no  less  thoU  three  times 
in  these  Avords:   '  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world  ; 

if  my   kingdom  wereot  this  world but  now  my 

kingdom  is  not  from  hence.'  With  what  right  our 
blessed  Lord  makes  this  declaration,  and  his  motives 
to  it,  v>  e  shall  shew  from  the  second  part  of  his  con- 
fession. 


THE  TRIBUNAL  OF    PILATE.  5 

Secondly,  He  describes  his  kingdom,  and  distin- 
guishes it  from  earthly  kingdoms,  sayinj^,  '  My 
kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.'  Our  blessed  Saviour 
does  not  say  that  his  kingdom  is  not  in  Uiis  world  ; 
for  the  eommunion  of  saints,  w  ho  ackno\\icdge  Je- 
sus Christ  for  their  king,  is  already  Ibrmcd  in  this 
world  from  among  the  human  race.  But  he  says 
his  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world,  i.  e.  it  is  not  of  the 
same  nature  with  earthly  kingdoms.  As  if  our  Lord 
had  said,  "  My  kingdom  is  no  earthly  kingdom,  is 
wot  governed  in  a  political  manner  according  to  hu- 
man laws  and  institutions  ;  nor  is  it  detcnded  by  car- 
nal weapons  or  temporal  arms,  or  conducted  with  ex- 
ternal pomp  and  ceremony  ;  and  consequently  the 
Roman  emperor  has  nothing  to  fear  from  it.  1  shall 
not  in  the  least  alienate  his  subjects  from  their  alle- 
giance to  him,  nor  encroach  on  his  temporal  rights." 

It  is  true,  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  under  the 
control  of  the  son  of  God,  who,  together  with  his 
Father,  so  appoints,  disposes,  and  orders  their  power 
and  limits,  as  best  contributes  to  the  ehaslisemf  nt  of 
his  people,  or  the  protection  of  his  church.  There- 
fore, in  his  character  of  the  eternal  ^\  isdom,  he  says, 
*  By  me  kings  reign,  and  princes  decree  justice,' 
(Pro^•.  viii.  15,  16.)  They  all  hold  their  domiiiions 
as  fiefs  from  the  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords, 
and  must  acknowledge,  '  that  the  most  High  ruleth 
in  the  kingdoms  of  men,  and  giveth  them  to  whom- 
soever he  will,'  (Dan.  iv.  17.)  But  the  proper  king- 
dom of  Jesus  Christ,  which  he  here  emphatically 
calls  'My  kingdom,'  [?'.  c.  tlie  kingdom,  winch  he 
governs  as  mediator  between  God  and  man  anel  whose 
subjects  he  purchased  with  his  blood]  is  no  vrorldly 
kingdom,  but  a  heavenly  kingdom,  or  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  as  it  is  frequently  termed  in  the  gosj^e]. 

This  kingdom  of  the  Messiah,  is  in  several  re- 
5:pects,  directly  opposite  to  the  kingdoms  of  this 
world.  No  unrighteousness  has  j^hice  there.  No 
tears  of  the  oppressed  are  seen,   nor  the  groans  of 


&  CIiniST'S   SUPFERINGS     BEFORE 

suffering  innocence  are  heard,  in  that  kingdom.  It  is 
founded  on  truth  and  righteousness,  and  is  govet;  •  d 
with  mildness,  love,  and  equity.  In  ihis  kingci  m 
'  the  king's  strength  also  loveth  judgment,'  (Psaim 
xcix.  4.)  In  several  other  particulars  also  it  is  uifi- 
nitely  exhalted  above  all  the  kingdoms  of  this  world, 
as  will  appear  by  the  following  particuLus. 

i.  Temporal  kingdoms  deri^'e  their  origin  from. 
mortal  men  ;  but  the  kingdom  of  Christ  has  the  im- 
mortal God  for  its  fouiider,  who  by  an  eternal  decree 
hath  appointed  it  unto  the  mediator  of  the  new 
covenant,  (Luke  xxii.  29.) 

2.  The  laws  by  which  worldly  kingdoms  are  go- 
verned are  instituted  by  men,  and  the  observance  of 
fliose  laws  are  enforced  by  pains  and  penalties  ;  but 
the  laws  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  derive  their  sane- 
lion  from  heaven,  where  they  were  made,  and  artvvrit- 
ten  in  the  hearts  of  his  subjects  by  the  spirit  of  love. 

3.  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  affect  exitrnal 
pomp  and  splendor,  in  order  to  dazzle  the  eye,  and 
command  respect;  but  the  kingdom  oi  Christ  is  the 
kmgdom  oi  the  cross,  and  its  ornaments  consist  in 
the  holiness  of  its  suDJects,  (Psaim  xciii.  5.) 

4.  The  power  of  temporal  kingdoms  extends  only 
to  the  bodies,  lives,  and  possessions  of  the  subjects  ; 
but  the  kingdom  of  Christ  extends  its  authority  over 
the  souls  and  consciences  of  men. 

5.  The  subjects  of  the  kingdoms  of  this  world 
consist  of  a  mixture  of  good  and  bad  ;  but  the  proper 
subjects  of  Jesus  Christ  are  born  oi  God,  and  are 
kings  and  priests  to  God,  his  heavenly  Father. 

(3.  Tempoml  kingdoms  are  protected  by  worldly* 
arms ;  but  the  weapons  employed  in  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  are  spiritual,  (2  Cor.  x.  3,  4.) 

7.  The  kingdom.s  of  this  world  stand  in  need  of 
strong  towns  and  fortresses  for  their  security  ;  but  it 
is  not  so  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  for  '  the  Lord  is  a 
WcJl  of  lire  roimd  about  his  people,'  (Zech.  ii.  .  .) 
Therefore  may  his  sui)jects  sing,  '  We  have  a  stioiig 


THE     TRIBUNAL     OT    PILATE.  7' 

citv  ;  salvation  will  God  appoint  for  walls  and  biil- 
w  rks,'  (Isa.  xxvi.   1.) 

8.  The  greatest  happiness  in  earthly  kingdoms 
consists  in  outward  peace,  and  .'.fflueace  of  worldly 
goods.  The  kingdom  of  Christ  is  righteousness, 
pc.ce,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  (Rom.  xiv.   l7.) 

y.  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  have  their  bounds 
and  Imiits,  and  are  confined  to  particular  nations  : 
Biu  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  it  is  written,  *  All 
ki  .^^s  shall  fill  down  before  him,  all  nations  shidl 
sevehim,'  (Psalm  Ixxii.  il.) 

10.     To  earthly   kiiigdoms  an  appointed  time  is 
se*,  iiow  long  they  shall  subsist ;  bat  of  the  kingdom 
of   the    Messiah   it  is  said,   '  of  his  kingdom  there 
shall  be  no  end,'  (Luke  i.    33.)  From  these  particu- 
lars we  may  form  a  clearer  co.iception  of  the  meaning 
of  hose  words,   'My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.' 
Thirdly,  Our  blessed  Lord  gives  a  reason  why  his 
kingdom  is  not  of  this   world.     Here,   indeed,   he 
might  have    appealed  to  the  predictions  of  the  pro- 
phets, in  which  the  kingdom  o:  the  Messiah  is  gen- 
erally represented  as  a  spiritual  kmgdom,   (Psa.  Ixxii. 
Jt-r.  xxiii.  Zech.  ix.)  He  might  iiave  made  a  fuller 
represent-.tion  of  it,  and  have  compared  the  nature  of 
hss  kingdom  with  that  of  earthly  kingdoms.  But  this» 
Pilate  would  have  neither  had  patience  to  hear,  nor 
capacity    to    understand.      Therefore    Christ  in  his 
consummate  wisdom  offers  to  him  such  proofs  as 
were  adapted  to  his  reason,  and  which,  as  a  statesman, 
he  could   not  but  understand  :   For  he  draws    this 
plain  conclusion,  '  If  my  kingdom  were  of  this  world, 
then  v/ould  my  servants  fight,   that  I  should  not  be 
delivered  to  the  Jews.'  As  if  our  blessed  Lord  had 
said,  "  The  kings  of  this  world  have  their  officers, 
life-guards,  soldiers,  garrisons,  and  armies,  for  the 
protection  of  their  persons  and  subjects.     I'herefore 
if  I  had  anv  desiscn  to  be  a  worldlv  kinp-of  the  Jews, 
I  should;  iike  other  kmgs.  have  provided  olEcers,  sol- 


S      Christ's  surrEuixcs  before 

diers,  and  iilc-guards,  to  defend  my  person  against 
insults  and  violence.  Nay,  these  my  dependants 
instead  of  sleeping  last  night  in  the  garden,  when  the 
Jews  apprehended  me,  would  have  tought,  and  made 
a  vigorous  resistance  ;  so  that  I  had  not  been  earned 
off  by  mine  enemies,  without  great  blood- shed  on  both 
sides.  This  had  been  the  case  if  I  were  an  earthiy 
■king.  But  as  no  such  sclieme  ever  entered  into  my 
thoughts,  those  few  disciples  that  I  have  are  quire 
unfit  for  the  execution  of  such  enterprising  projects; 
and  as  1  m}self  enjoined  them  to  make  no  resistance, 
from  th  s  single  circumstance  may  easily  conclude, 
that  I  am  very  far  from  being  an  earthly  monarch, 
and  that  the  emperor  has  nothing  at  all  to  apprehend 
from  me."  Thus  Christ  in  the  first  part  of  his  con- 
fession in\-alidates  the  false  opinion,  which  might  be 
entertained  of  his  kinq;dom.  Hence  we  mav  learn 
the  followins:  truths. 

1.     By  our  Saviour's  humility  and  self-denial,  our 
excessive  pride  and  ambition  were  to  be  expiated. 

The  son  of  Ciod  is  here,  indeed,  seen  in  the  lowest 
state  of  humiliation  and  abasement.  He  not  only 
descends  from  the  throne  of  heaven  into  bonds  and 
misery  ;  but  here  he  publicly  renounces  the  thrones 
of  the  earth,  to  which  he  had  the  most  rightful  claim  : 
For  who  is  more  worthy  to  wear  an  earthiy  crow^n, 
tlian  he  who  distributes  them  to  men  '?  But  he  despi- 
ses the  splendor  of  golden  crowns,  and  the  blaze  of 
gems,  and  permits  a  crown  of  thorns  to  surround  his 
sacred  temples.  Of  such  an  astonishing  humiliation, 
the  cause  must  have  been  very  momentous.  Man, 
in  the  state  of  innocence,  was  the  king  and  sovereign 
of  all  eaxthly  creatures,  the  visible  vicegerent  of  the 
invisible  God;  but  not  satisfied  with  this  honour  and 
dignity,  he  aimed  at  something  higher  ;  he  wished  to 
have  no  superior,  and  to  reign  without  control. 
Hence  he  withdraws  his  allegiance  from  his  lawful 
so^•ereign,  and  refuses  to  obey  the  laws  and  ordinan- 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE,  9 

<^s  of  his  Creator.  This  aspiring  temper,  and  rebel- 
iious  inclination,  have  been  un'nappily  transmitted 
down  by  the  first  parents  of  mankind  to  all  their  de- 
scendants. Our  hearts  are  natm'ally,  refractory  and 
disobedient.  We  are  all  by  nature  savap;e  and  uii- 
tractable  ;  and  though  we  are  plunged  into  a  misera- 
ble state,  our  pride  is  equal  to  our  misery.  We 
have  an  earthly  disposition,  disorderly  appetites,  and 
an  eager  inclination  for  every  thing  which  makes  a. 
show,  and  glitters  in  the  world;  and  we  are  passion- 
ately  fond  of  being  honoured  and  respected  by  others, 
and  cannot  bear  the  least  humiliation  or  contempt. 
This  arrogant  haughtiness,  which  shews  itself  more 
in  some  men  than  in  others,  could  be  expiated  onlv- 
by  the  deep  humiliation  and  abasement  of  him,  who 
is  the  prince  of  the  sovereigns  of  the  earth.  Satau 
would  for  ever  had  decoyed  us  by  worldly  pomp  and. 
show,  had  not  the  son  of  God  by  his  iovv^  abasement 
disengaged  us  from  it.  Let  us  admire  his  stupen- 
dous love,  and  shew  our  gratitude  to  our  blessed 
Redeemer  by  a  willing  renunciation  of  the  pomps  and 
\anities  of  this  world.  Let  us  thankfully  make  use  of 
this  freedom,  which  was  purchased  for  us  at  so  dear 
a  rate. 

2.  It  is  an  unspeakable  comfort  to  faithful  and 
humble  Christians,  that  the  kingdom  of  Christ  is  not 
of  this  world.  If  the  kingdom  oi  Christ  were  an  earth- 
ly kingdom,  how  hard  would  be  the  fate  of  the  poor 
and  wretched?  If  Christ  was  an  earthly  monarch, 
how  difficult  would  they  find  it  to  be  admitted  into 
his  presence,  with  their  humble  petitions'?  and  how* 
often  would  they  be  insultingly  repulsed  by  the  offi- 
cers of  his  court  ?  But  now,  as  he  is  a  spiritual  King, 
no  such  difficulties  ai'e  to  be  apprehended  in  approach - 
hig  him.  For  it  is  written  of  him,  '  He  shall  deliver 
the  needy  w^ien  he  crieth ;  the  poor  also,  and  hhu 
that  liath  no  helper.  He  sh.ill  spare  the  poor  and 
needy,  and  save  the  souls  of  the  indigent.  He  sliall 
redeem  their  soul  from  deceit  and  violence,'  {Psaln\ 

VOL.     II.  J^ 


10  Christ's  sufferings  befoue 

Ixxii.  12,  13,  14.)  This  amiable  description  of  our 
King  should  endear  him  to  our  souls,  and  induce  all 
timorous  consciences  to  place  a  firm  trust  in  him,  and 
to  comfort  themselves  with  the  thoughts  of  being  un- 
der his  Almighty  protection. 

3.  As  our  king  is  not  of  this  world,  so  must  we 
likewise,  if  we  will  be  his  true  subjects,  separate  and 
distinguish  ourselves  from  the  men  of  this  world, 
by  a  benevolent  temper   and  heavenly  conversation. 

This  is  tlie  natural  consequence  of  this  confession 
of  Jesus  Christ.  Here  that  common  observation 
must  take  place,  "  As  the  king  is,  so  are  the  sub- 
jects." Our  blessed  Lord  himself  saith  of  his  dis- 
ciples, '  They  are  not  of  the  world,  as  I  am  not 
of  the  world,'  (John  xvii.  16.)  May  this  im- 
portant truth  sink  deep  into  our  hearts !  we  own 
him  to  be  our  king  who  was  the  completest  pattern  of 
Immility  and  self-abasement ;  who  not  only  descend- 
ed from  the  throne  of  Ood  to  poverty  and  bonds, 
but  also  publicly  renounced  the  thrones  and  king- 
doms of  this  world ;  who  fled  from  the  people  when 
they  v;ere  for  making  him  king  by  force  ;  and  lastly, 
who  \villingly  suffered  himself  to  be  apprehended, 
bound,  insulted,  and  reviled.  If  we  would  be  the 
true  and  faithful  subjects  of  such  a  lowly  king,  we 
must  also  put  on  the  same  meek  and  lowly  dispo- 
sition ;  we  must  rather  slum  than  pursue  the  honours 
of  this  world,  banish  all  pride  and  ambition  from 
our  breasts,  and  be  clothed  with  humility.  More- 
over, wc  profess  ourselves  the  subjects  of  a  king, 
who  Vv-as  so  poor,  that  he  had  not  where  to  lay  his 
head ;  who  Avas  so  far  from  making  it  his  busi- 
ness to  amass  wealth,  and  to  heap  up  treasures  on 
earth,  that  he  divested  himself  of  his  own  divine  riches, 
for  our  welfare.  VVe  must  likewise,  after  his  exam- 
ple, despise  rather  than  amass  perishable  riches,  .aid 
lay  up  for  ourselves  treasures  in  heaven.  If  God  is 
pleased  to  send  us  riches,  instead  of  setting  our 
hearts  upon  them  by    an  inoruinute   love,  we  must 


THE    TRIBUNAL     OF   PILATE.  11 

iHake  to  ourselves  friends  of  the  mammon  of  un- 
righteousness, by  distributing  to  the  poor,  and  think 
it  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.  Lastly,  \vc 
serve  a  king,  whose  whole  life  was  full  of  hardships 
and  troubles;  who,  for  our  sake,  deprived  himself  of 
all  his  heavenly  enjoyments  ;  who  came  not  to  be  min- 
istered unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his  life  a 
ransom  for  our  souls.  Thus  must  we  also  be  de- 
clared enemies  of  voluptuousness  and  sensuality;  nay, 
we  must  use  lawful  pleasures  and  worldly  conve- 
niencies  with  true  self-denial,  and,  according  to  the 
great  example  set  by.  our  spiritual  sovereign,  exer- 
cise ourselves  in  temperance,  chastity,  and  purity  of 
heart.  Thus  from  the  very  nature  of  the  kingdom  of 
Christ,  arise  the  strongest  motives  for  denying  all 
inordinate  love  of  honours,  riches,  and  pleasures  ;  mo- 
tives of  infuiitely  greater  weight,  than  any  which  rea- 
son or  philosophy  can  suggest. 

But,  let  us  here  enter  on  a  serious  examination  of 
ourselves,  and  ask  our  own  hearts.  Whether  we  ai'e 
such  subjects,  whose  temper  and  conversation  bear 
a  resembUince  to  those  of  our  S]:)iritual  King,  Jesus 
Christ  '?  We  shall  greatly  deceive  ourselves,  if  we 
suppose  that  all  those  who  call  themselves  Christians 
are  true  subjects  of  Christ.  The  man  of  a  haughty 
and  proud  spirit ;  he  that  looks  on  restless  ambition  as 
the  characteristic  of  a  great  and  noble  mind ;  he  that 
is  covetous,  or  given  up  to  sensuality  and  voluptu- 
ousness, is  no  citizen  of  that  heavenly  kingdom,  which 
is  not  of  this  world.  On  the  contrary,  while  he  suf- 
fers such  dispositions  to  exercise  dominion  over  him, 
he  is  a  slave  of  satan,  the  God  of  this  world,  who 
has  established  his  tyrannizing  throne  on  these  vi- 
cious inclinations  of  the  human  mind.  Let  every  one 
therefore,  who  still  finds  himself  in  such  a  miscniblc 
state,  lift  up  his  hands  to  the  king  of  kir.gs  and  pray  to 
him,  that  he  would  renew  a  ri,<ht  spirit  or  temper  of 
mind  within  him,  and  make  him  truly  subject  to  his 
sceptre  of  righteousness.     This  wonderful  humility 


12  chiust'o  sufferings  before 

and  abasement  of  the  blessed  Jesus  is  a  powerful  mo-- 
t'lve  for  us  to  humble  ourselves,  and  renounce  the 
high  things  of  the  world.  Does  our  Lord  and  King 
publicly  disclaim  the  pomp  of  the  world,  what  have 
w'e  therefore  to  do  with  it  ?  If  vv-e  would  put  our 
trust,  and  glory  in  him,  we  must  divest  ourselves  of 
all  unbecoming  pride  and  an'ogance  ;  we  must  wean 
ourseh^es  from  an  over- fondness  for  earthly  things, 
and  bring  down  our  ambitious  and  aspiring  thoughts 
to  the  obedience  of  Christ.  And  how  willingly 
should  we  do  this,  were  our  hearts  inflamed  with 
that  love,  which  humbled  him  so  low  ! 

4.  The  faithful  servants  and  soldiers  of  Jesus 
Christ  must  fight  valiantly  for  their  king,  and  the 
honour  of  his  kingdom. 

Our  blessed  Saviour,  by  saying,  'If  my  kingdom 
were  of  this  world  then  would  my  servants  fight, 
that  I  should  not  be  delivered  up  to  the  Jews,'  gives 
as  likewise  to  understand,  that  it  is  the  indispensible 
duty  of  the  servants  and  subjects  of  earthly  sovereigns 
to  fight  for  their  king,  when  he  is  threatened  with  any 
danger.  Hence  the  inference  is  very  natural,  that  if 
we  would  be  real  servants  and  subjects  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  spiritual  king,  we  must  also  exert  our- 
selves, and  fight  for  him  in  a  manner  conformable  to 
the  spiritual  nature  of  his  kingdom  ;  not  with  carnal 
weapons,  but  with  the  weapons  of  God,  (2  Cor.  x.  4, 
5.)  which  are  mighty  to  the  casting  down  of  every 
liigh  thing,  that  exalteth  itself  against  the  knowledge 
of  God,  and  the  obedience  of  Christ.  This  is,  in-, 
deed,  in  a  more  particular  manner,  the  duty  of  the 
ininisters  of  the  gospel,  who,  when  truth  is  oppressed, 
are  not  to  be  indifierent,  or  from  a  love  of  outward 
case  and  security,  to  withdraw  themselves  from  the 
jield  of  combat  for  the  purity  of  the  doctrines  of 
Christ.  On  the  contrary,  they  must  contend  for  the 
truth,  and,  as  St.  Paul  exhorts  Timothy,  '  Endure 
hardness  as  good  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ,'  (-2  Tim.  ii. 
3.)  For  in  this  combat,  in  behalf  of  the  truth  of  the 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  l.> 

gospel,  sufferings  must  be  expected ;  and  we  ought 
to  be  ready  to  give  up  honour  and  character  to  the 
tongues  of  slanderers,  and  the  virulent  pens  of  mali- 
cious libellers,  unless  we  will  basely  betray  the  truth. 
Therefore,  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  when  the 
cause  of  Christ  imd  his  kingdom  is  in  danger,  must 
fight  for  it  with  prayers,  with  their  tongues,  and  Avitli 
their  pens,  when  called  upon  by  divine  providence  ; 
and  in  this  spiritual  warfare,  they  must  be  determined 
to  sacrifice  their  character,  their  ease,  their  substance 
and  even  life  itself.  Nevertheless,  it  is  also  the  duty 
of  every  private  real  christian,  when  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  is  in  danger,  to  take  up  the  armour  of  prajer, 
and  make  use  of  the  sword  of  the  spirit,  which  is  the; 
word  of  God.  By  these  distinguishing  marks,  every- 
one may  prove  himself,  whether  he  be  a  faithful  ser- 
vant of  Jesus  Christ  ?  Whether  he  has  resolution  and 
spirit  to  risk  every  thing  for  his  honour  ?  Or  whether, 
when  the  honour  of  his  sovereign  is  injured,  and  the 
course  of  his  divine  truths  obstructed,  he  will  stand  as 
an  unconcerned  spectator  ? 

II.  Our  blessed  Saviour,  in  the  second  part  of  his 
confession,  explains  the  true  nature  of  his  kingdom, 
and  shews  that  he  is  a  spiritual  king.  Herein  we 
shall  observe  the  three  following  piutieulars. 

First,  The  occasion  of  this  part  of  our  Lord's  con- 
fession ;  which  was  given  by  Pilates  second  question, 
namely,  art  thou  a  king  then  ?  the  governor  probably 
surmised  at  first,  that  the  Jews  accused  Christ  of 
setting  up  for  a  king,  out  of  mere  hatred  and  ma- 
lice. But  now  he  hears  Jesus  himself  thrice  make 
mention  of  his  kingdom.  This  perplexes  Pilate, 
and  he  concludes  that  if  Christ  has  a  kingdom,  he 
must  be  a  king;  and  as  he  knew  of  no  other  king- 
dom but  those  of  this  world,  he  must  have  thought 
it  strange,  that  there  should  be  kingdoms  which  \vere 
not  of  tlie  world.  He  therefore  again  comes  up  to 
the  Lord  Jesus,  and,  in  order  to  draw  the  truth  out 
of  him,   proposes  a  new  question  to  hitn. 


i4i  CHKlSl's    SUfiERlNGS    BEFORE 

Secondly,  We  may  observe  the  confession,  whictt 
Jesus  made  in  these  words,  '  Thou  sayest  that  I  am 
a  king.'  As  if  our  blessed  Lord  had  said,  royalty 
is  what  I  must  not  allow  to  be  denyed  to  me  ;  but 
neither  yourself  nor  the  Jews  have  a  right  idea  of  it. 
However  truth  is  truth;  and  1  should  be  found  a 
liar,  if  I  was  to  deny  that  regal  dignity,  which  my 
Father  has  conferred  on  me.  Thus,  as  our  bks'scd 
Saviour  had  acknowledged  himself  to  be  the  Son  of 
God,  in  plain  and  explicit  terms,  before  the  spiritual 
court  of  the  Jews  so  does  he  here,  before  the  civil 
ti'ibunal  of  pilate,  with  the  same  cleai-ness  and  per- 
spicuity declare  himself  to  be  the  king  of  Israel. 
Had  the  life  of  our  blessed  Saviour  been  dearer  to 
him  than  the  truth  of  God's  honour,  he  might  easily 
have  been  released  from  his  bonds  by  an  ambiguous 
evasive  answer,  and  might  have  said,  I  am  no  king, 
i.  e.  I  am  not  a  king  in  your  sense  of  the  word. 
But  the  blessed  Jesus  scorns  to  make  use  of  any  sub- 
terfuge, and  instead  of  giving  any  sanction  to  equi- 
vocations and  mental  evasions  by  his  great  example, 
he  shews  by  his  behaviour  on  this  occasion  that  truth 
is  boldly  to  be  acknowledged  before  kings  and  rulers, 
from  the  heart.  But  our  blessed  Lord  does  not  stop 
at  a  bare  confession  ;  for  he  farther  adds, 

Thirdly,  An  explanation  of  it;  in  v,hich, 

1.  He  sets  forth  the  true  nature  of  his  kingly 
ofiice. 

2.  He  lays  before  Pilate  the  distinguishing  char- 
acter of  the  subjects  of  his  kingdom. 

1.  The  true  nature  of  his  kingly  office  is  ex- 
plained by  Christ  in  these  words :  '  To  this  end  was  I 
born,  and  for  this  cause  came  I  into  the  world,  that  I 
should  bear  witness  unto  the  truth.'  By  this  our 
blessed  Saviour  gives  us  to  understand,  that  his  do- 
minion, as  our  mediator,  is  not  confined  to  the  exter- 
nal goods  and  earthly  possessions  of  men  but  extends 
itself  to  the  conscience  ;  and  that  the  design  of  his  go- 
■^,'cmment  is  to  free  his  subjects  from  those  fallacious 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  15 

and  lying  customs,  in  which  they  were  entangled  by 
the  fldl,  from  all  the  deceitful  and  wicked  wa}s  ofsa- 
tan  and  to  bring  them  to  the  acknowledgment  of  the 
truth.  B}  trudi,  Jesus  here  means  the  truths  contain- 
ed in  the  gospel.  It  was  not  our  blessed  Saviour's 
concern  to  propose  philosophical,  mathematical,  or 
political  truths.  The  truth,  to  the  knowledge  of  which 
he  was  to  bring  mankind,  was  of  a  much  sublinier 
nature.  It  was  a  truth  unknown  to  human  reason  ; 
a  truth  which  his  heavenly  Father  had  declared  by 
Moses  and  the  prophets  in  types  and  figures,  by  pro- 
mises and  predictions.  The  substance  of  this  great 
truth,  is,  that  as  no  man  can  be  justified,  and  conse- 
quently entitled  to  eternal  happiness,  by  the  works  of 
the  law,  God,  out  of  his  infinite  love  to  mankind,  has 
given  his  son  as  the  Saviour  and  reconciler  of  the 
world,  to  the  end  that  all  who  acknowledge  theii'  ina- 
bility, belic\e  on  the  name  of  the  great  mediator,  and 
give  themselves  up  to  be  renewed  by  the  spirit  in  the 
image  of  God,  may  not  perish,  buthave  everlasting  life. 

This  doctrine  of  the  gospel  is  emphatically  stiled 
the  truth,  not  only  as  it  derives  its  origin  from  God, 
who  is  truth  itself,  but  likewise  as  it  is  a  well-ground- 
ed, infallible  truth,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation. 

Of  this  great  truth,  the  blessed  Jesus  was  to  bear 
witness  both  in  his  words  and  actions  ;  and  therefore 
he  is  called  'the  faithful  witness,'  (Rev.  i.  v.) — • 
And  the  Father  has  declared,  saying  '  Behold  I 
have  given  him  for  a  witness  to  the  people.'  (Isaiah 
iv.  4.)  He  has  likewise  all  the  quahfications,  v.hicli 
can  be  justh  required  in  a  witness.  If  it  be  necessa- 
ry, that  a  witness  should  have  heard  or  seen  the  things 
which  he  testifies,  in  order  to  have  a  certain  know- 
ledge of  them  ;  the  son  of  God  was  himself  present 
at  t!ic  eternal  rcconciliatory  council  of  the  Father,  in 
^\"^.ich  it  was  graciously  determined,  that  the  world 
sb.ould  be  redeemed  by  the  son.  Jesus  had  volun- 
tarily promised  to  take  on  himself  the  work  of  re- 
demption, and  his  Almighty  Father  in  return  had 


16  CliRISX'ji    SUPFERINGS    BEFORE 

promised  him,  that  he  would  anoint  and  estabhbii 
him  in  the  human  nature  he  was  to  assume,  as  a 
king  over  the  human  race.  Therefore,  he  might 
justly  say,  '  We  speak  that  we  do  know,  and  testify 
that  we  have  seen,'  (John  iii.  11.)  Hence  also,  John 
the  Baptist  says  of  him,  '  He  thatcometh  from  above 
is  above  all ;  and  w  hat  he  hath  seen  and  heard  that  he 
testifieth,'  (John  iii.  31,  32.) 

Moreover,  our  blessed  Lord  subjoins  with  a  pecu- 
liar energy  that  for  this  end  he  was  born,  and  that  he 
came  into  the  world,  as  the  great  ambassador  of  God 
to  bear  witness  unto  the  truth.  These  words  pre- 
suppose his  prior  existence,  and  that  he  \vas  in  posses- 
sion of  his  regal  dignity  before  he  became  visible  in 
in  the  world.  Hence  he  intimates,  that  he  came 
into  the  world  with  no  other  \iew  than  to  convince 
mankind  of  these  great  truths,  that  he  is  the  only 
sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  the  world  ;  that  whoever  will 
be  saved  must  believe  on  his  name  j  and  by  such 
testimony,  to  free  mankind  from  the  dominion  and 
tyranny  of  the  spirit  of  lies  and  error,  to  enlighten 
them  v/ith  the  light  of  truth,  and  to  fit  them  for  the 
service  of  God,  that  they  might  worship  him  in  sj^irit 
and  in  truth.  These  are  the  royal  transactions  of 
Jesus  Christ  ;  which  it  must  be  owned,  bear  but 
little  resemblance  to  the  political  transactions  and  war- 
like exploits  of  earthly  kings  whose  business  is  to 
enact  salutary  laws  for  the  support  of  their  kingdom 
and  the  external  welfare  of  their  subjects,  and  to  en^ 
force  obedience  to  them,  by  punishing  the  refractory 
and  disobedient.  Our  blessed  saviour  likewise,  in 
these  words,  describes, 

2.  The  distinguishing  character  of  his  subjects ; 
'  Every  one  that  is  of  the  truth  heareth  my   voice.* 

These  words  exhibit  to  us  both  the  characteristic 
and  duty  of  the  subjects  of  Christ. 

Their  cliaracteristic  is  this,  '  they  are  of  the  truth.' 
As  '  to  be  of  God,  (John  viii  47)  signifies  the  same 
thing  '  as  to  be  born  of  God,'  (1  John  ii.29.)  so  '  to 


THE  TRIBUNAL    OF   PILAtE,  17 

b6  of  the  truth,'  is  of  the  same  import  as  '  to  be  born 
of  the  truth,  (James  i.  IS.)  or  to  be  bei^oitea 
of  God,  [the  self-existent  truth  ]  with  the  word 
of  truth,'  (James  i.  18.)  That  is,  in  other  words  to  re- 
ceive the  testimony  which  God  has  given  of  his  son, 
and  which  the  Son  himself  has  given  of  the  truth,  so 
far  as  to  be  enlightened,  converted,  and  from  the 
heart  to  hate  all  deceitful  ways  ;  and  to  obey  and 
bear  an  affectionate  love  to  the  truth,  as  if  it  was  the 
parent  that  begot  us. 

The  duty  of  the  subjects  of  Christ  is  this,  namely, 
that  they  hear  his  voice :  'Every  one  that  is  of  the 
truth  heareth  my  voice,  i.  e.  acknowledges  me  for 
his  sovereign  and  instructor,  and  obeys  my  precepts 
and  injunctions  from  the  heart.  When  I  say,  '  re- 
pent and  believe  the  gospel  !'  he  hears  this  voice  not 
only  with  his  ears,  but  likewise  attends  to  it  with  an 
obedient  heart.  When  I  say,  'Whoever  will  be  my 
disciple,  let  him  deny  himaclf^  and  take  up  his  cross 
and  follow  me  !'  he  does  as  I  enjoin  him.  When 
I  say,  '  love  your  enemies ;  do  good  to  them  that 
hate  you!'  he  treats  his  enemies  widi  kindness,  gen- 
tleness, and  humanity.  Lastly,  since  I  say,  'render 
unto  Caesar  the  things  that  are  Ctesar's,  and  unto 
God  the  things  that  are  God's!'  he  omits  no  oppor- 
tunity of  complying  with  this  my  command.  From 
all  diis  Pilate  might  have  been  convinced,  that  the 
doctrines  of  Christ  instead  of  encouraging  rebellion 
made  the  best  of  subjects,  that  the  Je^vs  were  his 
enemies  for  no  other  reason,  but  for  telling  them  the 
truth,  which  their  mutinous  and  haughty  spirit  could 
by  no  means  bear. 

This  was,  indeed,  such  discourse,  as  had  never 
before  been  heard  in  Piiate's  hail  of  judgment.  By 
this  testimony  of  the  truth,  Christ  further  intended, 
not  only  to  remove  Pilate's  unnecessary  apprehen- 
sions that  he  instigated  the  emperor's  subjects  to  a 
revolt  ;  but  likewise  indiiecily  to  make  an  impression 
on  his  heart  to  insinuate  an  a>vakenin^,  butw'hole- 

VOL.   II.  r. 


18  Christ's  sufferings  before 

some,  sti'i^i  into  his  conscience,  and  to  inspire  him 
■with  the  love  of  truth.  Notwithstanding  all  thih,  we 
shall  see  in  the  sequel,  that  Pilate  soon  made  lighc  of 
this  kind  admonition,  and  precluded  his  heart  agtunst 
this  testimony  of  the  truth.  Let  us  therefore  tiike 
carej  that  tliis  discourse  of  the  blessed  Jesus  mav 
bringforth  more  fruit  in  our  hearts;  and  to  this  end  we 
shall  make  the  following  observations  on  this  subj^ct- 

1.  Our  blessed  ^aviour,  by  owning  his  dig!) ity, 
has  publicly  owned  us  for  his  subjects  and  established 
his  kingdom  over  all. 

We  must  approve  ourselves  his  subjects,  by  over- 
coming the  world  and  its  evil  customs,  as  he  overcame 
the  world ;  and  by  overcoming  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  to 
^vhich  the  most  powerful  monarchs  are  often  slaves* 

If  Christ  our  king  declared,  that  he  was  born  ;nid 
came  into  the  world  to  bear  witness  unto  truth ;  so 
should  we  likewise  be  thoroughly  persuaded,  that  the 
end  ot  our  being  born  again  is,  that  we  may  love  rhe 
truth,  and  bear  witness  to  it  in  our  words  and  actions. 

2.  As  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ  is  a  kingdom 
of  truth,  no  one  is  to  be  admitted  into  it,  who  loveth 
or  maketh  a  lie. 

Satan  is  in  scripture  called  the  father  of  lies,  (John 
^  iii.  44.)  and  the  account  given  of  his  subjects  by  8ti 
John,  (Rev.  22,  15.)  is,  that  they  love  and  take  a  plea- 
sure in  forging  lies.  In  satan's  kingdom  there  is 
nothing  but  falsity  and  dissimulation,  delusive  ap- 
pearances, and  vain  deceptions.  He  infatuates  men 
by  giving  them  false  ideas  of  God,  whom  they  false- 
ly imagine  to  be  like  themselves.  Hence  God  says 
to  the  %\'icked  man,  '  Thou  thoughtest  that  I  was  al- 
together such  a  one  as  thyself^'  (Psa.  I.  21.)  As 
thou  makest  it  thy  supreme  felicity  to  live  in  mirth 
and  festivity,  and  to  enjoy  the  sinlul  pleasures  of  the 
world,  thou  vainly  thinkest  that  this  is  what  I  shall 
easily  connive  at,  and  that  I  am  not  at  all  displeased 
with  a  man  who  gives  himself  up  to  sensuality  and 
voluptuousness.      batan  infatuates  men    with  false 


__.J 


'fHE     TRIBUN'AL    OF    PILATE.  11> 

ideas  of  repentance  :  Hence  they  imagine  it  consists 
only  in  saying  with  the  mouth,  that  they  are  misera- 
ble sinners  ;  that  they  are  sorry  for  their  misdoings  ; 
and  that  they  will  amend  their  lives  ;  while  the  heart, 
in  the  mean  time,  is  not  touched,  nor  is  there  any 
change  likely  to  be  wrought  in  it.  He  infatuates 
men  with  false  ideas  of  faith  :  Hence  they  vainly 
imagine,  that  if  they  do  but  stedfast-y  and  earnestly 
rely  on  the  merits  of  f  hrist,  that  faith  infallibly  will 
save  them ;  whereas  they  continue  under  the  domm- 
ion  of  sin,  and  ne^  er  shew  forth  this  ideal  presump- 
tuous faith  of  theirs  by  works  of  love,  and  habits  of 
virtue.  He  infatuates  men  with  most  false  ideas  of 
eternal  felicit}  ;  for  ci.nial  men  are  apt  to  form  to 
themselves  base  and  groveling  ideas  of  the  joys  of 
eternal  life,  and  think  that  in  heaven  they  shall  have 
such  enjo\  ments  as  are  unworthy  of  that  glorious 
place,  the  abode  of  purity  and  holiness.  Such  is  ihe 
power  of  the  lying  spirit  of  darkness  over  the  under- 
standing of  those,  whom  he  h:ith  fatally  blinded. 
But  no  less  is  his  fascinating  influence  over  the  per- 
■\^erse  wills  of  those,  whom  he  has,  as  it  were,  bound 
and  fettered  with  the  bonds  of  falsehood,  hypocrisy, 
and  dissimulation,  so  that  nothing  less  than  the  infinite 
power  of  God  can  break  them  asunder.  But  all 
these  cliains  fall  off",  when  a  man  is,  as  it  were,  born 
of  God,  and  transplanted  into  the  kingdom  of  Jesus 
Christ,  which  is  the  kingdom  of  truth.  I'hen  he 
learns  to  look  on  the  things  which  belong  to  the  spi- 
rit of  God  in  a  different  light  from  what  he  did  before. 
Then  he  is  sensible  what  a  childish,  absurd,  and  un- 
worthy idea  he  had  entertained  of  God,  of  repentance, 
of  faith,  and  eternal  felicity;  for  his  undt^rstandi.ig 
being  now  irradiated  by  the  light  of  the  Holy  spirit, 
he  acquires  a  more  perfect  knowledge  of  these  things. 
Now,  the  light  of  truth  rises  in  his  understanding  ; 
by  the  lustre  of  which  error,  prejudice,  and  false 
conceptions  of  spiritual  things,  are  dissipated  like 
mists  before  the.  suji.      The  true  image  \vhich  is  in 


20  CHRIST'S    SUFFERINGS   BEFORE 

Christ  Jesus  \viii  now  be  formed  in  his  will ;  and. 
tlie  spirit  of  God  is  now  by  its  sacred  influence  re- 
storing in  his  soul  the  divine  resemblance,  which 
consists  in  wisdom,  righteousness,  and  truth.  He 
noM'  conceives  an  utter  aversion  for  all  falsehood,  lies, 
and  h3'pocrisy.  He  loveth  and  speaketh  the  truth 
from  his  heart  ;  and  is  not  ashamed  to  confess  it, 
though  attended  with  the  greatest  inconveniencies, 
insults,  and  aflfronts.  Hence  any  one  may  easily  in- 
fer, whether  he  belongs  to  the  kingdom  of  the  father 
of  lies  ;  or  to  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  of 
the  truth. 

3.     When  we  are  called  ui  on  to  confess  the  truth, 
we  ought  to  avoid  all  evasions  and  subterfuges. 

Among  other  reasons  why  St.  P.iul  calls  this  con- 
fession, which  Christ  made  before  Pilate,  a  good 
confession,  (1  Tim.  vi.  18.)  is,  because  he  clearly 
and  explicitly  certified  the  true  nature  of  his  king- 
dom in  these  words,  without  any  circumlocution,  any 
Aague  or  ambiguous  expression.  By  this,  the  Son 
of  God  has  left  a  noble  example  for  all  true  profes- 
sors, that  they  may  when  brought  to  be  tried  before 
the  tribunal  of  Princes,  make  an  unreserved  confes- 
sion of  the  ti  uth.  Therefore,  when  we  are  called  up- 
on b\  God  to  bear  testimony  to  the  truth,  we  must 
not  deviate  one  step  from  it,  or  in  the  least  pieju- 
dice  the  truth  lor  fear  of  the  cross,  or  any  extt  rnal 
Kufterings.  It  is  no  less  than  eternal  life  that  lies  at 
stake,  (1  Tim.  vi.  12,  13.)  He  that  cannot  take  up 
the  cross  of  Christ  will  nt  ver  be  owned  by  him  as 
his  disciple,  notwithstandmg  the  sublimity  oi  his 
speculations,  or  the  fluency  of  his  tongue.  This 
spirit  of  integrity,  by  which  the  conlessions  of  chris- 
tians ought  to  be  influenced,  was  very  visible  in  the 
undaunted  behaviour  oi  Luther,  who  made  a  glori- 
ous profession  in  behalf  of  oppressed  truth.  For 
"when  he  was  asked,  at  the  diet  of  w  orms,  in  the 
presence  of  the  Emperor  and  the  principal  states  of 
the  empire,  whether  he  would  revoke  what  he  hatA 


HIE  TRIBUNAL  OF    PILATr.  2JL 

hitherto  taught  and  written  ?  and  that  if  he  did  hot 
he  should  be  proceeded  against  with  the  utmost  se- 
verity ;  he  made  this  intrepid  answer :  "  Since  your 
Imperial  Majesty,  and  the  illustrious  Electors  and 
princes  who  are  here  present  require  a  plain,  direct, 
and  explicit  answer  to  this  question,  I  will  give  one 
at  which  no  manner  of  offence  can  be  taken  ;  and  it  is 
this  :  Unless  I  am  convmced  of  being  in  an  error  by 
testimonies  drawn  from  the  holy  scriptures,  or  by 
clear  and  evident  proofs,  I  neither  can,  nor  will,  re- 
voke any  thing  I  have  said  or  written ;  it  being  neither 
safe  nor  advisable  to  act  contrary  to  my  conscience. 
By  this  declaration  I  abide  ;  and  God  be  my  helper ! 
Amen."  Since  therefore  we  profess  the  doctrine  of 
Christ  as  reformed  from  the  errors  and  superstition 
of  Popery,  let  us  pray  to  God  that  he  will  give  us  the 
spirit  of  confidence  and  faith  ;  so  that  if  we  should 
be  required  to  make  a  public  confession  of  the  truth, 
we  may  shew  an  undaunted  resolution  and  ingenuous 
frankness,  according  to  the  example  of  Christ  and  his 
apostles,  and  the  first  reformers  of  Christianity. 

4.  Barely  to  acknowledge  the  truth  is  not  suffi- 
cient to  render  us  true  christians  ;  but  it  must  have  a 
salutary  effect  on  our  lives  and  conversation. 

Hence  our  blessed  Saviour  does  not  say,  he  that 
merely  acknowledges  the  truth  is  my  subject  and 
disciple  ;  but  '  every  one  that  is  of  the  truth,  i,  e.  to 
whom  truth,  candour,  and  probity  are  become,  as  it 
were,  habitual,  and  influence  all  his  thoughts,  ^v^ords, 
and  actions,  and  heareth  my  voice,  or  obeys  me  as 
his  Sovereign,'  Let  this  be  particularly  observed 
by  men  of  genius  and  learning,  who  make  profession, 
of  the  knowledge  of  truth.  If  their  understanding- 
only  is  busied  amidst  a  croud  of  abstracted  ideas, 
types,  and  representations,  which  even  relate  to  the 
truths  of  religion,  they  do  not  yet  properly  belong  to 
the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ.  But  when  they  act 
conformably  to  this  truth,  u  hich  derives  its  begin- 
ning from  a  knowledge  of  our  natural  blindness  and 


22  Christ's  sufferings  befoke 

imbecility  ;    then  the   truth  shall   make  them  free.^ 

*  Ye  shall  know  the  truth,  saith  Christ,  and  the  truth 
shall  make  you  free,'  (John  viii.  32. )  free  fr<jm  self- 
love,  pride,  ambition,  and  haughtiness ;  free  from 
the  tyranny  of  carnal  lusts,  and  all  criminal  desires. 
He  that  has  not  attained  to  this  glorious  freedom, 
notwithstanding  all  his  penetration,  and  supposed 
merits  in  the  service  of  truth,  will  not  have  his  por- 
tion with  the  true  subjects  of  Jesus  Christ. 

5.  Our  blessed  Lord  acknowledges  none  for  his 
subjects,  but  those  *  vi^ho  hear  his  voice.' 

Hence  Jesus  says  in  the  close  of  his  confession, 
'Every  one  that  is  of  the  truth,'  and  is  consequently 
my  true  disciple  and  subject,  '  heareth  my  voice.' 
Now  he  that  can  say  I  hear  the  voice  of  Jesus  Christ, 
may  be  apt  to  conclude,  that  he  is  therefore  of  the 
truth,  and  one  of  the  true  subjects  of  Christ.  Such  a 
one  will  perhaps  say,  "  If  this  is  all  that  is  required 
an  a  true  subject  of  Christ,  1  need  not  question  but  I 
am  one  of  them  ;  for  I  have  heard  the  voice  of  Jesus 
Christ,  as  it  sounds  in  the  gospel,  time  after  time, 
without  number."  Alas !  vain  man,  it  is  not  the 
question,  whether  the  voice  of  Christ  has  outwardly 
reached  the  organs  of  hearing,  and  by  the  e^irs  made 
its  way  to  thy  understanding.  If  that  were  sufficient 
to  make  thee  a  subject  of  Christ,  the  carnal  Jews, 
Avho  in  the  days  of  his  incarnation  heard  his  voit;e 
numberless  times,  would  have  been  his  true  subjects ; 
nevertheless,  our  blessed   Saviour  says  unto  them, 

*  Ye  therefore  hear  not  my  words,  because  ye  are  not 
of  God.  Ye  are  of  your  father  the  devil,  &c.'  (John 
viii.  44,  47.)  Upon  this  supposition,  Pilate  also 
would  have  been  '  of  the  truih ;'  for  he  too  heard  our 
Saviour's  voice,  talking  with  him  in  the  hall  of  Judg- 
ment. Nay,  what  is  still  more,  if  this  sufficed,  the 
devil  himself  may  be  said  'to  be  of  the  truth  ;'  for 
he  heard  the  voice  of  Christ  when  he  tempted  him 
in  the  wilderness,  and  likewise  in  those  who  were 
possessed ;  yet  Christ  witncsseth  of  him,  '  that  he 


THE    THIBUNAL    OF   PILATE.  23 

^bode  not  in  the  truth,  because  there  is  no  truth  in 
him,  (John  44.) 

Hence  it  appears,  that  somethin,^  more  is  required 
to  render  a  man  a  true  subject  of  Christ,  than  to  hear 
his  voice  or  his  word.  For  this  end,  there  muat  be 
an  inward  and  universal  obedience  of  the  heart,  a  se- 
rious attention  and  sincere  obedience  to  all  his  com- 
mands, and  a  lively  faith  in  all  his  promises,  so  as  to 
place  so  great  a  value  on  the  invisible  rewards  ex- 
pected from  them,  and  so  to  be  firmly  convinced  of 
the  certainty  of  them,  as  to  be  alwa)-s  ready  to  re- 
nounce and  part  with  all  temporal  enjoyments  for  his 
sake. 

Dost  thou  therefore  boast,  that  thou  hast  Iicard  tlic 
Voice  of  Jesus  Christ  ?  tell  me  what  happy  effect  it 
has  on  thy  soul.  Or  thinkest  thou  that  the  voice  of 
the  Son  of  God,  by  which  the  heavens  and  the  earth 
were  made,  is  a  dead  and  ineffectual  sound,  suffering 
men  to  stagnate  in  their  carnal  security  ?  By  no 
means ;  the  voice  of  Christ  is  said  to  be  like  the 
'  sound  of  many  waters,'  (Rev.  i.  15.)  Has  the  sound 
of  it  there  tore  awakened  thee  from  the  sleep  of  secu- 
rity ?  The  Psalmist  says,  (Psa.  xxix.  5,  3,  9.) '  The 
voice  of  the  Lord  breakeththe  cedars;  the  voice  of 
the  Lord  divideth  the  flames  of  fire ;  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  shaketh  the  wilderness  ;  the  \'oice  of  the  Lord 
discovereth  the  forests.'  Has  that  glorious  voice 
shaken  and  fertilized  thy  barren  heart  ?  Has  it  broken 
the  towering  cedars  of  thy  carnal  imagination?  Has 
it  torn  up  the  ill  habits  so  deeply  rooted  in  thee  ? 
These  eftects  are  not  like  the  fleeting  images  of  a 
dream,  but  leave  a  lasting  and  indelible  impression 
on  the  heart  duriuGC  the  whole  course  of  a  man's  life. 
Look  on  others  who  have  heard  the  voice  of  Christ, 
and  see  what  a  change  it  has  wrought  in  them  ! 
Matthew,  the  publican,  heard  his  voice,  saying, 
*  Foiiow  me  1'  and  immediately  he  left  all,  and  fol- 
lowed Christ  ;  Simon  and  Andrew  heard  his  voice; 
and  they  forsook  ail,  and  foiioAved  him.     The  young 


24  Christ's  surFERI^^cs  before 

man  who  died  at  Nain,  hi^ard  his  voice,  raised  him- 
seif  up,  and  revived.  Lazai  us  heard  his  voice,  was 
spoke  into  hfc,  and  came  forth  from  his  grave.  The 
man  afflicted  with  the  palsy  heard  his  voice,  and  rose 
and  took  up  the  bed  on  which  he  before  had  been  laid. 
Saul  heard  his  voice  ;  and  of  a  persecutor  and  de- 
stroyer of  his  follo\vers,  became  a  champion  for  the 
truth  of  the  gospel.  See !  what  happy  effects  the 
voice  of  Jesus  Christ  had  on  these  remarkable  per- 
sons. Nayj  it  is  said  in  St.  John,  (chap.  v.  25.) 
*  The  hour  is  coming,  and  now  is,  when  the  dead 
shall  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  they  that 
hear  shall  live.'  ^Vnd  dost  thou,  O  man,  live  the 
life  that  is  of  God  ?  or  art  thou  still  dead  in  trespas- 
ses and  sins,  and  pleadest  thine  inability  and  human 
weakness,  when  called  upon  to  follow  Christy  to  cru- 
cify the  fltsh,  and  other  duties  that  the  gospel  re- 
quires '?  Examine  thyself  well,  how  it  fares  with  thy 
soul  in  this  point !  It  is  no  inconsiderable  fault  for  a 
man  to  stop  his  ears,  and  shut  up  his  heart  against  the 
ro'ice  of  Christ ;  for  whoever  will  refuse  to  hear  him, 
the  same  also  he  will  not  hear,  nor  answer  when  they 
call  upon  him  in  their  distress,  (Prov.  i.  24,  &c.) 
Alas  !  whither  can  we  betake  ourselves  when  we  lie 
on  the  bed  of  death  ?  What  can  we  then  implore  but 
mercy  !  mercy !  and  who  will  then  hear  these  our 
cries,  but  he  whom  the  heavenly  Father  has  enjoined 
us  to  hear  :  '  This  is  my  beloved  >>on,  him  shall  ye 
hear.'  Therefore,  if  thou  hast  not  in  thy  life  obedi- 
ently heard  his  voice,  and  conformed  to  it.  What 
dependance  canst  thou  have,  that  he  ^^•ill  hear  thy 
faint  and  broken  accents  at  the  approach  of  death '? 
and  how  dreadful  will  be  thy  case  if  He,  who  alone 
has  power  to  save  and  to  condemn,  should  likewise 
turn  his  ears  from  thy  cries  1  O  let  us  hear  his  voice 
to-day,  this  instant  ;  while  we  hear  his  voice,  let  us 
not  harden  our  hearts.  Let  us  turn  our  ears  from 
the  delusive  voice  of  satan  and  the  world,  calling  us 
to  indulge  in  die  lusts  of  the  flesh,  the  lustofahe  eye^ 


THE     TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  .£25 

the  pride  of  life,  and  other  vices.  It  is  enough  that 
we  liave  spent  the  pust  years  of  our  iifc  in  such  ill 
courses.  Let  us  now  with  tears  .uid  prayers  ap- 
proach the  blessed  Jesus,  acknowkdi^ing,  confessing-, 
and  bewailing  our  iormer  disobedience.  Let  us  nu 
treat  him  to  gi\e  us  an  attentive  ear,  and  an  (jbcdi- 
ent  heart.  Let  us  sincerely  believe  in  the  rewards  of 
his  promising  voice  ;  let  us  obey  the  precepts  of  his 
commanding  voice  ;  so  thai  one  day  it  may  f^e  our 
happiness  to  hear  his  affectionate  voice,  saying, 
*  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom. 
prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world' 


THE     r  11  AY  til. 

^  O  FAITHFUL  Saviour,  whose  merits  are  infinite, 
thanks  be  to  thee  for  the  (rood  confession  of  tiiv 
kingdom,  which  thou  madest  before  Pilate  !  Praised 
be  thy  name  for  the  instructions  thou  hast  given  us, 
that  we  may  rightly  understand  the  nature  of  that 
kingdom  !  Thou  seest,  O  Lord,  what  gross  concep- 
tions and  carnal  ideas  we  are  apt  to  entertain  of  thy 
spiritual  kingdom,  be  pleased  therefore  to  inspire  us 
with  a  salutary  knowledge  of  thy  kingly  offiee,  and 
to  impart  to  us  that  heavenly  temper  aird  disposition 
which  is  the  distinguishing  badge  of  thy  true  subjects. 
Make  us,  we  beseech  thee,  truly  attentive  to  vhy 
voice,  and  real  lovers  of  thy  truth ;  so  that  by  \vaik- 
ingin  the  truth,  and  abhorring  all  false  ways,  and  all 
tlie  delusions  of  satan,  we  may  be  more  and  more  con- 
vinced that  we  are  thy  subjects,  and  that  consequent!) 
we  may  be  joini-heirs  of  thy  glorious  kingdom.  And 
as  we  here  suffer  ^\•ith  thee,  and  combat  for  thy  truth 
]jy  the  confession  of  thy  religion,  grant  that  we  ma\  also 
eternally  reign  with  thee,  and  sit  on  thrones,  as  thoir 
Iiiist  overcome,  and  art  exalted  to  the  thron'  ol  thV 
Father.     Amen. 

VOL.    II.  17 


26  chhist's  sufferings  before 


CONSIDERATION  VII. 

THE   CCNSf  q^UENCE    OF  OUR    BLESSED     SAVIOUr'^ 
GOOD    CONFESSION     BEFORE    PILATE. 

'  Pilate  sakh  unto  him,  What  is  truth?  And 
when  he  had  said  this,  he  went  out  unto  the  Jews, 
and  saith  unto  the  chief  Priests  and  the  people,  I  find 
no  fault  in  this  man.  And  the  chief  Priests  were 
the  more  fierce.  And  when  he  w  as  accused  of  the 
chief  Priests  and  Elders,  he  answered  nothing. 
'i  hen  saith  Pilate  unto  him  ;  answerest  thou  nothing  ? 
behold,  hearest  thou  not  how  many  things  they  wit- 
ness against  thee  ?  Jtsus  answered  him  to  never  a 
word,  insomuch  that  the  governor  marvelled  greatiy.* 
(Matth.  xxvii.  12,  13,  14.  Mark  xv.  3,  4,  5.  Luke 
xxiii.  4.     John  xviii.  38.) 

In  the  last  consideration,  we  have  enlarged  upon 
the  good  confession,  which  our  Saviour  made  con- 
cerning his  kingdom  before  the  tribunal  of  Pilate; 
we  shall  now  farther  consider  what  followed  that 
good  confession. 

First,  with  regard  to  Pilate, 

Secondly,  to  our  Saviour's  accusers, 

Thirdly,  to  the  Lord  Jesus  himself. 

I.  With  regard  to  the  Roman  governor,  two 
things  followed  our  Lord's  confession,  namely,  1. 
A  question,  2.  An  acknowledgment  of  our  blessed 
Saviour's  innocence. 

1.  The  question  is  this  :  What  is  truth?  Jesus, 
in  his  confession,  had  several  times  mentioned  the 
xvord  truth,  viz.  '  To  this  end  was  I  born,  and  for 
this  cause  came  I  into  the  world,  that  I  should  bear 
w  itness  imto  the  truth.  Every  one  who  is  of  the 
truth  heareth  my  voice.'  Upon  this,  Pilate  starts 
the  question,  *  What  is  truth"?'  At  first  one  would, 
from  these  words,  be  inc  ined  to  entertain  a  favoura- 
)5ie  opinion  of  Piiaie,  and  to  admire  his  wilUngitess 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  27 

to  be  instructed.  We  should  be  apt  to  think  rh.it 
the  words  of  the  blessed  Jesus  had  kindled  in  him 
such  a  desire  of  knowing  the  truth,  that  he  wish  d  for 
nothing  more  passionately  than  to  be  thoroughly  in- 
st'-iicted  by  this  divine  Pro])het,  of  whom  he  h^d  al- 
ready heard  such  a  great  character.  But  this  good 
opinion,  which  might  be  conceived  of  Pilate  from 
the  soundof  his  words,  is  immediately  effaced  by  his 
subsequent  behaviour.  For  he  had  no  sooner  asked 
the  question,  than  he  turned  his  back  on  the  Lord 
Jesus  without  staying  for  an  answer,  and  went  out  to 
the  Jews  who  were  standing  without  the  judgment- 
hall.  Hence  it  is  evident  that  he  did  not  ask  this 
question  from  any  desire  of  information  ;  it  being 
probable  that  he  thought  it  derogatory  to  his  honour, 
to  be  taught  by  a  contemptible  Jew  who  stood  bound 
before  him  as  a  prisoner  ;  but  that  he  asked  it  in  an 
ironical  manner,  and  with  a  mind  filled  with  scepti- 
cal prejudices  at  least,  if  not  with  an  aversion  to,  and 
contempt  of,  the  truth. 

If  these  \vords  therefore  be  construed  according  to 
the  temper  from  \vhence  they  proceeded,  die  mean- 
ing of  the  question  will  appear  to  be  this  :  "  Why- 
dost  thou  talk  of  truth  ?  Truth  never  made  any  man's- 
fortune.  It  is  no  wonder,  indeed,  that  the  rulers  of 
thy  nation  are  so  inveterate  against  thee,  and  are  bent 
upon  removing  thee  out  of  the  way.  I  suppose  thou 
hast  told  them  the  truth  with  too  much  freedom,  and 
offended  them  by  thy  reproofs  and  public  discourses. 
If  it  is  thy  sole  business  to  tell  the  truth,  thou  wilt 
have  but  few  adherents ;  so  that  the  Emperor  my 
master  may  be  very  easy  about  thy  imaginary  kins:- 
dom.  Besides,  if  the  whole  quarrel  between  thee 
and  the  Jews  be  about  the  truth  of  religion,  those  af- 
fairs do  not  properly  belong  to  my  ofiice  ;  nor  shall 
I  throw  away  my  time  in  the  examination  of  these 
religious  disputes :  we  Romans  leave  every  one  to 
teach  and  believe  as  he  thinks  fit,  ir  he  does  but  be- 
have liKe  a  good   citizen,  and  fcike  care  not  to  dis  - 


28  CUUIST'g    SUPPERINGa    BEFORE' 

liirb  the  tranquiliity  of  the  state."     To  this  ironical 
question  Pilate  subjoined. 

2.     A  confession  of  ihe  innocence  of  the  blessed 
Jesus.     For  when  Pilate  had  said  this,  he  went  out 
asjain  unto  the  Jews,  who  were  gathered  together  ia 
great  numbers  in  the  area  before  his  judgment-hall, 
and  called  out  openly,  or  perhaps  proclaimed  by  a 
herald,  in  the  hearing  of  the  chief  Priests  and  all  the 
people,   '  I  find  no  fault  in  this  man.'  As  if  he  had 
said,  I  have  examined  this  man  apart  concerning  the 
things  of  which  you  accuse  him,  and  have  carefully 
sifted  the  whole  matter;  but  I  find  him  guilty  of  noi 
manner  of  crime.     You  say.  We  found  him  pervert- 
ing the  people  ;  but  for  my  part,  I  can  find  no  sha- 
dow of  truth  in  this  accusation.     He,  indeed,  owns 
that  he  is  a  King  ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  he  declares 
that  he  makes  it  his  sole  lousiness  to  bear  witness  to 
the  truth.     This  confession,  by  the  Roman  law,  is  no. 
capital  crime.     If  that  were  the  case,  all  the  philoso- 
phers throu2:hout  the  whole  Roman  empire  would 
deserve  to  be  crucified  ;  since  every  one  of  them 
thhiks  he  teaches  nothing  but  the  trutli.     If  this  per- 
son has  too  high  a  conceit  of  his  doctrines,  and  thinks 
that  he  alone  is  so  quick-sighted  as  to  see  clearly  in- 
to truth,  this   is  a  failing  common  to  other  philoso- 
phers, and  rather  deserves  pity  than  any  punishment. 
At  least,  \\'ith  regard  to  the  faults  you  charge  him 
with,  I  find  him  entirely  innocent.     This,  probably, 
was  the  opinion  of  Pilate  ;  and  this  declaration  of  our 
S:  ^.  iour's  innoeer.ce  he  caused  to  be  publicly  declared 
b^  f  r.  all  the  people  ;  which,  in  some  measure,  wa§ 
a  political  stratagem.     For  as  he  knew  that  the  ru-^ 
lers  of  die  people  had  delivered  Christ  to  him  (jut  of 
envy,  \vhich  opinion  is  aiterwards  confirmed  by  St. 
Matthew,  (chap,  xxvii.  18.)  he  thought  it  best  pub- 
licly to  declare  his  innocence  to  the  i)eopie,  ^\  ho  per- 
haps were  better  inclined  towards  Jesus,  and  theieby 
to  give  them  an  opportunity  of  taking  the  innocent 
prisoner  under  their  protection. 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  S^ 

This  is  the  first  testimony,  which  Pilate  gave  oi' 
our  Lord's  innocence,  and  is  of  great  importance  : 
For, 

First,  This  witness  of  our  Saviour's  innocence 
was  a  person  in  a  public  character,  and  bore  the  of- 
fice of  a  judge. 

Secondly,  He  was  the  Roman  emperor's  vice- 
gerent, and  consequently  it  was  incumbent  on  him 
by  his  post,  capitally  to  punish  all  rebellious  and  se- 
ditious persons. 

Thirdly,  He  was  quite  impartial  in  this  afiliir,  and 
acted  without  being  prejudiced  either  by  hatred  or 
love  to  Jesus. 

Fourthly,  He  gave  this  remarkable  testimony  of 
his  innocence,  after  having  heard  his  cause,  and 
strictly  examined  the  prisoner. 

Fifthly,  He  did  it  voluntarily  and  freely  from  his 
own  conviction,  and  not  at  the  request  of  any  other 
person. 

Lastly,  By  this  declaration  of  Christ's  innocence, 
he  at  the  same  time  represented  the  sentence  of  death 
which  the  Sanhedrim  had  already  past  on  him  as  an 
act  of  cruelty  and  injustice.  From  these  circumstan- 
ces which  followed  Christ's  good  confession  we 
shall  deduce  the  following  truths. 

1.  The  doctrine  of  the  regal  dignity  of  Christ 
has  always  been  ridiculed  by  the  world. 

Pilate  thought  it  the  height  of  extravagance,  that  a 
mean  person,  who  was  bound  as  a  common  criminal, 
without  money  or  soldiers  to  execute  any  thing  of 
importance,  should  set  himself  up  for  a  king  ;  and 
still  more  extraordinaiy,  that  he  should  expect  to  be- 
come the  sovereign  and  conqueror  of  the  world,  by 
bearing  witness  to  the  truth.  I'his  the  heathen  go- 
vernor laughed  at  in  his  heart,  and  thus  ridiculed  this 
noble  confession  of  Christ  concerning  his  kingly  dig- 
nity. The  followers  of  Christ,  in  imitation  of  their 
Saviour,  must  willinirlv  suffer  themselves  to  be  ri- 
Qiculed  and   despised  ;    being  assured  that  thougi-i 


4.0,  CHRIST'S    S0FrERlxVGSf    BEFORE 

they  are  not  honoured  by  the  world,  yet  that,  after 
being  ridiculed  and  reviled  here,  they  shall  at  last         I 
reign  with  Christ,  and  sit  on  his  throne.  ^ 

2.  The  sincere  love  of  truth  is  seldom  found 
among  the  great,  the  rich,  the  wise  and  prudent  of 
this  world. 

God  has  said,  *  he  requireth  truth  in  the  inward 
parts,'  (Ps.  li,  6.)  and  exhorts  us  to  love  the  truth, 
(Zee.  viii.  19.)  but  where  shall  one  find  the  love  of 
truth  in  the  world  ?  for  *  truth  is  fallen  in  the  street, 
and  equity  cannot  enter  ;  the  truth  faileth,  and  he 
that  departeth  from  evil  maketh  himself  a  prey,'  (Isa. 
lix.  14,  15.)  The  love  of  truth  is  found  more  par- 
ticularly wanting  among  the  great  and  powerful  of 
this  world,  who  look  upon  truth  and  particularly  the 
truths  of  religion,  as  something  below  their  regard, 
and  not  worth  enquiring  after. 

Thus  the  scene  continues  the  same  in  our  days, 
as  it  was   before  Pilate's  judgment- seat.     On   one 
side  stood  the  blessed  Jesus  in  dctem:e  of  the  truth, 
which  he  maintained,  and  at  last  sealed  with  his  blood; 
on  the   other  side  stood  the  Jews  in  opposition  to 
the  truth,  which  they  hated  and  persecuted  in  the 
person  and  doctrine  of  Christ,  and  sought  to   op- 
press by  lies   and  calumnies  ;  and   between  these 
stood  Pilate  ridiculing  both  parties,  and    making  a 
iest  of  both  Jesus  and  the  Jews.     Thus  in  our  days 
these  three  paities,  with  regard  to  the  truth  of  reli- 
gion, still  exist.     Some  have  a  sense  of  the  transcen- 
dent value  of  truth;  they  esteem  it  a  precious  gift  of 
God,  and  as  an  invaluable  jewel  which  he  has  com- 
mitted to  mankind ;  and  accordingly    they   openly 
profess  it,  and  are  ready  to  sacrifice  their   lives  and 
fortunes,  and  all  that  is  dear  and  valuable,  in  de- 
fence of  it.     Others  shew  themselves  declared  ene- 
mies of  the  truth,  and  endeavour  to  suppress  it,  by 
changing  it  into  error  and  falsehood,  andlmte  and  per- 
secute the  professors    of   it  as  obstinate   heretics. 
Others  again  observe  a  culpable  neutrality,  ridicu- 


ttHE     TRIBUNAL    OF    PILAiE.  Gi 

iing  both  parties,  and  pretending  that  Uiey  are  equal- 
ly in  the  wrong-,  and  give  themselves  too  much  trou- 
ble about  truth.  The  controversies  about  truth  ap- 
pear to  them  as  mere  cavils  about  words  ;  and  if 
matters  go  well  with  them,  if  they  enjoy  riches, 
honours,  and  pleasures,  it  is  the  least  of  their  care 
how  it  fares  with  truth. 

Those  who  are  regardless  of  truth,  and  look  upon 
one  religion  as  good  as  another,  are  for  the  most  part, 
indeed,  to  be  found  among  the  rich  and  mighty  of 
this  w  odd ;  who  look  upon  it  as  the  characteristic  of 
prudence  to  swim  with  the  stream,  and  to  have  no 
farther  concern  with  truth  than  as  it  may  promote 
their  present  interest.  Hence  it  is  not  to  be  won- 
dered at,  that  God  should  permit  such  errors  to  reign 
in  the  world,  not  only  among  the  mean  and  illiterate, 
but  also  among  persons  of  the  gi'eatest  learning  and 
abilities,  who  are  looked  on  as  lights  of  the  world  and 
pillars  of  the  state.  The  cause  of  this  is  assigned 
by  St.  Paul  in  these  words  :  '  They  received  not  the 
love  of  the  truth,  that  they  might  be  saved  ;  for  this 
cause  God  shall  send  on  them  strong  delusion,  that 
they  should  believe  a  lie  ;  that  they  all  might  be 
condemned  who  believed  not  the  truth,  but  had 
pleasure  in  unrighteousness.'  (Thess.  ii.  10,  11,  12.) 
It  is  no  more  than  just  and  equitable,  that  they  who 
make  a  jest  of  truth,  should  be  deprived  of  its  efful- 
gent light,  and  cast  into  outer  darkness  ;  where,  as  a 
punishment,  they  must  give  credit  to  fictions  and 
lyii^g  words,  since  they  refuse  to  give  God  the  hon- 
our due  unto  his  name,  and  to  acquiesce  in  the  tes- 
timony of  his  sacred  word.  Hence  also  it  happens, 
that  the  great,  the  wise,  and  powerful  of  this  world 
drop  off  like  unripe  fruit,  and  desert  to  the  camp  of 
antichrist,  not  only  in  times  of  persecution  for  the 
sake  of  the  gospel,  or  when  any  danger  is  to  be  ap- 
prehended; but  also  when  they  can  promote  their 
temporal  advaiUage,  or  get  a  step  higher  in  the  world. 


52  chkist's  sufferings  before 

by  such  a  desertion  of  the  truth*.  This  scandalous 
indifference  for  the  truth  Ukewise  prevails  among  the 
lower  class  of  people,  the  generahty  of  whom  are 
more  taking  up  in  providing  for  the  necessities  of 
life,  than  in  enquiring  how  they  may  obtain  a  true 
knowledge  of  the  truth  ot  -the  gospel.  It  is  God's 
express  will,  '  that  all  men  should  come  to  the  know-^^ 
ledge  of  the  truth,'  (1  Tim.  ii.  4.)  But  these  persons 
thiak,  that  to  enquire  after  religious  truths  does  not 
belong  to  them ;  and  as  for  the  learned,  they  may' 
dispuie  to  the  day  of  judgment  which  religion  is  the 
best:  But  for  their  part  they  will  keep  to  that  iit 
which  they  were  born  and  educated,  and  in  which 
their  ancestors  lived  before  them.  Thus  many 
Protestants  continue  to  argue  while  they  do  not  sec 
any  opportunity  of  bettering  their  condition,  by  em- 
bracing a  false  religion.  But  when  such  a  temptation 
presents  itself,  they  undervalue  the  truth  and  em- 
brace error,  without  examining  into  the  merits  of 
both  religions. 

$.  Candid  laymen  are  generally  sooner  convin- 
ced of  the  innocence  of  the  servants  of  God,  than 
bigotted  ecclesiastics,  who  are  of  a  contrary  oprnion, 

Pilate  perceived  that  Jesus  was  innocent,  when  the 
chief  Priests  and  Scribes,  who  were  blinded  by  pre- 
judice, and  inflamed  with  passion,  would  not  be  con- 
vinced. This  is  still  the  case  in  the  world.  States- 
men and  lay- magistrates  are  sooner  convinced  of  the 
innocence  of  the  witnesses  of  truth,  than  their  eccle- . 
siastical  judges  and  adversaries,  who,  though  they 
are  in  a  spiritual  office,  are  strangers  to  the  spiritual 
life ;  nor  are  they  taught  of  God.  But  alas !  this 
conviction  had  no  salutary  effect  on  Pilate  ;  for  he 
proceeded  no  farther,  but  turns  his  back  on  the  self- 

*  In  uhis  paragraph  the  author  alludes  to  those  who  dfs-  rt 
thf  P.otestant  cause  i  Germany,  being  allured  by  tht  P  pish 
p^iiy,  and  gained  ovr  ai  their  church,  by  promises  ot  prefftr- 
intnt,  S^c,  of  which  thtre  are  too  many  instancesi     ff\ 


THE   TlllBUNAL    OF   PILATE.  3o 

existent  trutli,  and  asks,  what  is  truth  ?  Aad  though. 
he  was  conscious  of  Christ's  innocence,  yet  he  de- 
livered him  up  to  the  barbarous  cruelty  of  his  ene- 
mies. Few,  indeed,  will  expose  themselves  to  any 
inconveniency  for  the  sake  of  the  persecuted  mem-- 
hers  of  Christ.  When  the  men  of  this  world  ^uc 
under  any  apprehensionr^,  that  by  protecting  their  in- 
nocence they  may  subject  themselves  to. suspicions 
and  an  evil'  report  and  make  themselves  enemies 
among  the  great,  they  do  not  choose  to  interpose  in 
their  defence.  \Voe  to  them,  who  for  their  own 
pn\:tte  interest  molest  and  persecute  the  innocent ! 
In  order  to  atone  for  this  depravity  of  mankind,  Christ 
Jesus,  the  ever- glorious  Son  of  God,  permitted  him.- 
self  to  be  thus  treated,  to  the  inexpressible  comfort  ol 
his  members,  when  diey  come  to  sulfer  the  like  ill 
treatment  for  his  sake. 

II.  We  come,  in  the  next  place,  to  consider  whal 
followed  our  Saviour's  conicssion,  wi'.h  regard  to  his 
accusers.       By    the  confession  which  our    blessed 
Lord  made  concerning  his  kingdom,   &c.  they  were 
still   more  irritated ;  for  they  would   by  no    means 
have  it  thonglit,  that  they  had  condemned  an  inno- 
cent man,  and  delivered  him  up  to  Pilate.     St.  Mark 
5a}'s,  ihjAX  the  chief  Priests    accused  him    of  m>iny 
thing-s.     They  not  only  repeated  their  former  charge  ; 
but  enlarged  and  aggravated  tlie  aecusaUon,  by  many 
new  and  ficticious  articles.     They  concluded,  that 
the  greater  number  of  crimes  they  laid  to  his  charge, 
the  more  probability  there  was  of  overwhelming  our 
Saviour's  innocence;  that  if  one  complaint  should 
not  incense  Pilate  against  him,  perhaps  another  might 
])rove  more  effectual ;  and  lastly,  that  if  one  single 
charge  by  itself  should  not  have  the  desired  effect, 
yet-  all  the  articles  taken  together  might  turn  the 
scale  against  the  innocent  Jesus. 

This  was  the  contrivance  of  the  chief  Priests,  and 
likewise,  as  St.  M-itiiew  adds,  of  the  Elders  of  the 
people;  a. id  cousequentlv   of  all    t!v'    hf-.uh  cf  tlV 
VOL.   IT.  '  r. 


54     Christ's  suiFERiNcs  before 

Jewish  church,  whom  it  mostly  concerned  to  support 
and  defend  their  carnal  authority ,  which  had  been, 
^veakened  by  the  spiritual  doctrines  of  Christ.  The 
best  way  to  compass  their  ends  they  imagined  would 
be  by  removing  Jesus  out  of  the  way,  that  he  might 
no  longer  oppose  their  hypocrisy,  by  his  preaching. 
But  as  Pilate  had  witnessed,j  and  probably  caused  it 
to  be  proclaimed  by  a  herald,  that  he  found  no  guilt 
in  the  man,  they  were  the  more  provoked ;  so  that 
Pilate's  declaj-ation  of  our  blessed  Saviour's  inno- 
cence, like  oil  poured  on  the  fire,  the  more  inflamed, 
their  minds,  and  caused  louder  exclamations  agamst 
Je^us.     Hence  we  learn  the  following  trutlis  : 

1.  It  is  the  usual  stratagem  of  the  world  to  ac- 
cumulate false  accusations  against  the  witnesses  of 
the  truth. 

It  is  said,  *  They  accused  Jesus  of  many  things.' 
This  is  a  wicked  device  which  the  enemies  of  truth, 
both  in  the  Pagan  and  Popish  persecutions,  have 
constantly  practised.  What  a  hideous  groupe  of  ca- 
lumnies did  the  Pope's  adherent's  vent  against  Lu- 
ther !  so  that  one  cannot  but  wonder  where  the  lying 
Spirit  could  collect  all  its  materials  for  such  absurd 
accusations,  as  they  invented  tp  asperse  this  glorious 
instrument  of  God  ? 

2.  As  we  have  heaped  sin  upon  sin,  so  in  our 
Saviour's  sufferings,  one  accusation  upon  another 
was  brought  against  him. 

What  innumerable  sins  have  been  the  consequence 
of  the  first  fall !  Hence  St.  Paul  says,  '  By  one  man's 
disobedience  many  are  made  sinners,'  (Rom.  v.  19.} 
How  has  the  venoni,  which  lurked  in  the  disobedi- 
ence ol  our  first  parents,  spread  itself  into  number- 
less channels,  and  infected  their  unhappy  descendants! 
How  many  millions  of  dreadful  sins  have  sprung 
from  that  corrupt  fountain  !  And  we  still  dail\  see 
men  adding  sin  to  sin,  'till  the  measure  is  full,  so  as 
ut  last  to  run  over.  The  Son  ol"  God  suffered  one  ac^ 
cusation  upon  another  to  be  heaped  on  him,  in  order 


I 


l-IIE  TRIBUNAL  OF    PILATE.  S5 

to  cover  the  multitude  of  our  sins.  But  this  is  a 
comfort  which  can  be  properly  valued  only  by  an 
a\vakened  conscience  ;  to  which  satan  lays  open  such 
a  large  and  dreadful  catalogue  of  sins,  that  the  sinner 
is  astonished  at  the  multitude  of  his  transgressions, 
and  cries  out,  *  My  sins  are  more  in  number  than, 
the  hairs  of  my  head,  or  the  sand  on  the  sea-shore/ 
(Psalm  xl.  13.)  When  the  sinner  stands  thus  aghast, 
and  terrified  at  the  number  and  heinousncss  ot  his 
sins,  then  he  finds  comfort  in  the  multitude  of  accusa- 
tions heaped  on  his  innocent  Redeemer.  He  may  be. 
well  assured,  that  his  heavenly  Father  will  forgive  his 
numberless  sins  ;  and  that  he  shall  be  safe  under  the 
defence  and  protection  of  his  Saviour's  innocence. 
Whatever  accusations  satan  may  bring  against  him. 

3.  The  authority  of  a  high  post  or  dignity  is  of- 
ten abused,  in  order  to  g-ain  credit  to  false  accusa- 
tions- 

The  accusations  brought  against  the  blessed  Jesus 
were  mere  calumnies  and  falsities;  but  as  they  were 
preferred  by  the  chief  Priests  and  elders  of  the  people 
they  imagiaed  that  their  high  stations  would  induce 
Pilate  the  sooner  to  give  credit  to  their  false  charge. 
This  is  still  the  way  in  the  persecutions  of  true  Chris- 
tians.  When  the  enemies  of  the  truth  have  on  their 
side  persons  of  great  note  and  learning,  who  join  with 
them  and  defend  their  proceedings,  they  think  that 
whatever  comes  from  them  must  be  received  as  di- 
vine oracles;  and  that  what  is  wanting  in  proof  of 
the  accusations  must  be  made  up  by  the  authorit}  of 
the  learned  or  dignified  accuser.  Our  blessed  Lord 
in  his  suiferings  experienced  many  disadvantages 
from  the  dignity  of  his  enemies,  which  made  an  un- 
happy impression  even  on  the  minds  of  his  own  dis- 
ciples.  For  alter  his  resurrection,  they  seem  to  dis- 
trust his  promises,  saying,  '  the  chitf  Priests  and  our 
rulers  deli\  ered  him  to  be  condemned  to  death,  and 
have  crucified  him  ;  but  we  trusted  that  it  had  been 
he,  who  shouldhave redeemed  Israel,'  (Lukexxiv.  20.) 


'36  CHRIST'S    SU¥FERISGS    EEFOKE 

Thus  their  weak  minds  were  not  a  little  ofFendecI  at 
the  higli  rank  and  reputation  of  those,  who  had  pro- 
moted their  master's  death.  This  has  been  often  the 
case  with  the  faithful  members  of  Jesus  Christ.  At 
tue  council  of  Constance,  (which  was  held  about  a 
hundred  years  before  the  reformation  l>egun  by  Lu- 
ther) Avhere  John  Huss  was  unjustly  condemned  to 
be  burnt  as  a  heretic,  his  Imperial  Majesty,  several 
En  bassadors,  three  Electors,  a  great  number  of  iVin- 
ces,  three  Patriarchs,  twenty-eight  Cardinals,  and  a 
hundred  and  fifty-five  Bishops,  besides  Divines  and 
Civilians  from  all  parts  of  Europe,  wei*e  present ;  and 
yet  by  such  an  august  assembly  of  great  personages 
Avas  truth  condemned,  an.d  innocence  oppressed. 
Who  will  therefore  talce  offence  at  such  things,  or  be 
.awed  and  deterred  from  the  confession  of  truth  ?  '1  he 
way  has  been  long  since  smoothed  for  us,  to  get  over 
this  rock  of  offence  by  Christ  himself  and  his  blessed 
mart}rs. 

Lastly,  we  are  to  encjuire  what  followed  after  our 
S.-viour's  good  confession,  with  regard  to  Christ 
himself.  The  blessed  Jesus  was  silent  on  this  occa- 
sion, to  the  astonishment  of  all  who  were  present. 
Hence  we  may  observe. 

First,  That  mention  is  made  of  it  in  Pilate's  words 
to  Jesus;  for  he  wonders  at  his  silence,  and  in  his 
surprise,  asks  him  this  question  :  '  Answercst  thou 
nothing?'  As  if  he  had  said,  art  thou  quite  insensi- 
ble to  thy  own  reputation  and  safety,  since  thy  life 
and  character  are  at  stake  ?  And  dost  thou  not  hear 
thyself  accused  of  crimes,  which  the  law  punishes 
with  death?  How  canst  thou  be  silent  at  such  a 
crisis,  and  suRcr  thy  enemies  to  accuse  thee  with- 
out making  any  defence,  or  opposition  to  the  charge 
they  bring  against  thee  ?  St.  Matthew  and  St.  Mark 
ol-tserve,  that  Pilate  flirther  added,  'Hearest  thou  not, 
how  nicuiy  diings  they  witness  against  thee  ?'  Hence 
it  may,  with  some  probability,  be  inferred,  that  the 
chief' Priests  and  Eiders   brought  wituesbcs   with 


I'llB    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  '37 

tlicm  before  Pilate,  to  back  the  indictment  with  their 
testimony.  Notwithstanding  all  this,  our  blessed 
Loid  continued  silent.  It  seems  as  if  Pilate  had 
some  compassion  on  Jesus,  and  imagined  that  his  si- 
lence might  proceed  from  fear  and  despondency,  s© 
that  he  would  not  presume  to  speak  in  his  own  de^ 
fence  ;  and  therefore  these  words  may  be  looked  up- 
on as  a  permission  and  encouragement  to  Jesus  to 
speak  his  n^.ind,  and  to  ^'indicate  himself  in  the  best 
manner  he  could. 

Secondly,  We  have  here  likewise  an  account  of 
our  blessed  Lord's  behaviour  after  these  words  of 
Pilate.  The  Evangelist  informs  us,  that  '  Jesus  an- 
swered him  to  never  a  word.'  For  neither  the  high 
rank  of  his  accusers,  nor  the  heinousness  of  the  ac- 
cusation, nor  yet  Pilate's  encouraging  question, 
could  induce  the  blessed  Jesus  to  break  his  silence. 
He  stood  firm  and  immoveable  as  a  rock,  amidst  the 
outrageous  fury  of  the  Jews  and  Gentiles,  and  the  tu- 
multuous waves  of  their  clamorous  accusations. 
Now  this  silence  was  founded  both  on  propriety,  and 
justice.    For, 

1.  He  had  before  made  an  ample  confession  of 
the  truth  :  But  Pilate  had  ridiculed  the  declaration 
he  had  made,  and  consequently  rendered  himself  un- 
worthy of  any  farther  information  ;  for  he,  that  is  not 
iiiithful  in  the  grace  he  has  received,  will  have  no 
more  intrusted  to  him. 

2.  He  knew  that  the  judge  himself  was  perfectly 
convinced  of  his  innocence. 

3.  The  charge  which  the  Jews  alleged  against 
bim  consisted  of  things,  that  were  either  manifestly 
false,  or  of  such  a  nature,  that  they  did  properly  fall 
under  the  cognizance  of  Pilate. 

4.  Christ  was  not  willing,  by  his  reply,  to  give 
tlie  Jews  any  further  occasion  of  sinning  by  additional 
lies,  and  repeated  accusations. 

5.  He  was  desirous  to  shew,  that  he  was  froii\ 
his  heart  willing  to  die  for  us,  by  suflering  the  sen^ 


^g 


CJiRIST'S    SLTFl'EUi^^GS    BEFOllE 


teiice  of  death  to  be  executed  on  him,  vvithoiit  ofiei-^^ 
ing  any  plea  'in  arrest  of  judgment. 

f).  Lastly*  He  was  determined  to  fulfil  the  prophe^ 
cies  which  had  before  declaredi  that  '  as  a  sheep  be- 
fore her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  would  not  open  his 
mouth,'  (Ivaiahhii.  7.  compare  F*sa.  xxxviii.  14,  15.) 

Thirdly,  We  have  here  an  account  of  the  effect 
which  our  Saviour's  silence  had  on  Pilate.  Concern- 
ing this  circumstance,  we  are  told,  th  it  '  the  govern- 
or n.iarielled  greatly.'  It  must  have  appeared  some- 
thing strarigc  to  Pilate,  that  a  criminal,  who  was 
bi  ought  beibre  his.  judgment- seat,  should  be  silent  at 
sucn  a  juncture.  For  those  who  have  the  worst 
cause  are  generally  most  importunate,  and  loud  in 
justifying  themselves  before  a  court  of  judicature. 
Pilate  therefore  wondered  at  this  man's  extreme  tim- 
idity, or  rather  magnanimity,  since  he  seemed  to  des- 
pise all  the  terrible  accusations  brought  against  him, 
and  shewed  by  his  silence  that  he  was  ready  to  suffer 
death.  To  conclude  the  subject,  we  shall  here  make 
the  following  observations  : 

1.  Though  God  frequently  permits  impious  men 
and  hypocirites  to  be  disappointed  in  their  wicked 
designs  ;  yet  they  seldom  desist  from  their  evil  pur- 
|)0ses,  and  leave  their  wicked  ways. 

The  chief  Priests  and  Scribes  had  already  been 
disappointed  by  their  false  witnesses,  when  they  ex- 
amined Jesus  before  their  council ;  one  evidence 
contradicted  another,  and  their  depositions  were  so 
incoherent,  that  they  afforded  no  sufficient  proof  M 
condemn  Jesus  as  guilty  of  the  charge.  Nevertheless, 
though  the  Divine  Providence  had  baffled  this  wick- 
ed attempt^  yet  they  persevere  in  it,  and  come  to  Pi- 
late, attended  by  other  false  witnesses ;  and  there- 
fore as  truth  did  not  avail  them,  they  had  recourse  to 
lies  and  falsehood.  This  depravity  is  still  too  com- 
inon  among  men.  How  often  does  God  permit  sin- 
ners to  be  disappointed  ;  so  that  their  sins  bring  ri- 
dicule and  disgrace  upon  them,  or  ruins  their  sub-j 


'iHE    TiirUUNAL    or    PILATE.  39 

s^ce  and  health  ?  How  often  does  a  drunkard  in  his 
fbriety  commit  such  things  as  expose  him  to  con- 
tempt  and  disgrace,  or  by  his  intemperance  contract 
some  severe  distemper  ?  Yet  oji  the  first  invitaiion 
of  his  debauched  companions  as  soon  as  the  long- 
suffering  of  God  has  permitted  him  to  recover  his 
strength,  he  returns  to  that  same  vice  which  h.A  oc- 
casioned his  iUness.  How  often  is  a  person  \\ho  is 
entangled  in  the  snares  of  impuiit}-  detected,  and  his 
lend  practices  come  to  light?  How  often  is  the  thief 
surprised  in  the  very  fact,  and  in  consequence  of  it, 
pubhcly  undergo  some  ignominious  punishment,  yet 
both  the  one  and  the  other  still  go  on  in  their  wick- 
edness ;  only  for  the  future  they  use  more  caiulon, 
that  they  may  not  be  surprised.  Thus  did  this  de- 
pravity of  the  human  heart  make  a  part  of  our  Siiv- 
iour's  sufferin2:s ;  and  we  mav  observe  it  in  his  ene- 
mies  and  accusers,  as  in  a  niirror  of  injustice  and 
obduracy. 

2.  Christ  by  his  silence  before  Pilate  appeai^ed  in 
the  form  of  a  sinner,  and  atoned  for  'our  ciamorous 
importunities,  and  false  justifications,  in  our  own 
defence.' 

When  a  sinner  is  awakened  by  his  conscience,  and 
his  secret  sins  are  placed  before  his  eyes,  he  no  longer 
pretends  to  excuse  and  justify  himself;  but  lays  his 
hand  on  his  mouth,  and  owns  hims-^lf  guilty.  No-.v- 
Christ  having  permitted  the  sins  of  the  whole  world 
to  be  imputed  to  him  at  the  Divine  tribunal,  by  his 
silence  on  this  occasion  before  a  human  tribunal,  put 
on  the  appearance  of  a  convicted  sinner,  who,  under 
the  condemnation  of  his  conscience,  dares  not  open 
his  mouth.  And  as  our  petulant  ton^^ues  are  so 
ready,  and  our  voices  so  loud  in  palliating  our  sins, 
and  justifying  our  iniquitous  proceedings,  when  per- 
haps, our  heart  at  the  same  time  is  convinced  that  we 
are  guiltv,  our  blessed  Saviour  was  silent  lor  the  ex- 
piation of  this  depravif)  of  human  nature.  Let  us 
therefore  thankfuiiv  acknowiedsre,  thatci-rRf^een^e: 


40  Christ's  surrERiNGs  ueforje 

was  pleased  to  be  silent  in  our  stead,  and  praise  him 
for  this  instance  of  his  love.  Let  us,  out  of  rever- 
ence to  his  silence  before  Pilate,  henceforth  cease  to 
justify  our  faults,  and  excuse  our  misdoings.  Let 
us  say  with  holy  Job,  '  I  have  uttered  that  I  under- 
stood not,  therefore  I  abhor  myself,  and  repent  in  dust 
and  ashes,'  (chap,  xliii.  3,  6.)  Oh,  that  we  may 
thus  judge  ourselves  !  and  then  we  shall  not  be  judg- 
ed, and  condemned  of  the  Lord. 

THE    PRAYER. 

We  praise  thee,  O  faithful  and  ever-living  Saviour, 
for  all  the  several  species  of  sufferings  which  ihou 
didst  patiently  endure,  in  order  to  procure  for  us  the 
forgiveness  of  our  manifold  sins  and  impieties  before 
the  Divine  tribunal.  Bless,  O  Lord,  to  ou^'  bouls 
the  consideration  of  this  part  of  thy  sufferings.  May 
ever)'  insult,  every  indignity  and  unjust  treatment, 
to  which  thou  hast  submitted  in  our  stead,  be  for  our 
.eternal  advantage  !  Wiien  we  acknowledge  our  guilt,, 
and  confess  our  sins,  clothe  us  with  the  spotless  robe 
of  thy  innocence.  When  the  consciousness  of  our 
numberless  misdeeds  alarm  and  terrify  us,  so  as  to 
render  us  incapable  of  pleading  for  ourselves,  da 
thou  speak  for  us,  as  our  Patron  and  Intercessor. 
IVIake  us  sensible  that  thou  art  the  only  refuge  of  ter- 
rified consciences  ;  so  that  flying  to  thee  we  mav  find 
Jife,  safety,  and  rest,  and  be  acquitted  from  all  accu- 
sations brought  against  us  at  the  tribunal  of  thy  hea- 
venly Father.  Grant  this  for  the  sake  of  thy  name. 
Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  VIIL 

THE      SUIFEllINGS     OF     CHRIST    BEFORE    HEROD. 

'  And  the  chief  Priests  were  the  more  fierce,  say- 
ing. He  stirreth  up  the  people,  teaching  throughout 


TlIE    TRIBUNAL    OF   HEROD.  41 

all  Jewry,  beginning  from  Galilee  to  this  place* 
When  Pilate  heard  of  Galilee,  he  asked,  whether  the 
man  were  a  Galilean  ?  And  as  soon  as  he  knew  that 
lie  belonged  to  Herod's  jurisdiction,  he  sent  him  to 
Herod,  who  himself  was  also  at  Jerusalem  at  that 
time.  And  when  Herod  saw  Jesus,  he  was  exceed- 
ing glad  :  for  he  was  desirous  to  see  him  of  a  long- 
season,  because  he  had  heai-d  many  things  of  him; 
and  he  hoped  to  have  seen  some  miracle  done  by  him. 
Then  he  questioned  with  him  in  many  ^^^ords  ;  but 
Jesus  ans^vered  him  nothing.  And  the  chief  Priestn 
and  scribes  stood  and  vehemently  accused  him. 
And  Herod  and  his  men  of  waf  set  him  at  nought, 
and  mocked  him ;  and  arrayed  him  in  a  gorgeous 
robe,  and  sent  him  again  to  Pilate.  And  the  same 
day  Pilate  and  Herod  were  made  friends  together ; 
for  before  they  were  at  enmity  between  themselves.' 
(Luke  xxiii.  5 — 12.) 

These  words  exhibit  to  us  the  sufferings  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  before  King  Herod  :  And  here  we  may 
observe, 

First,  The  occasi«i  of  this  part  of  our  blessed 
Saviour's  sufferings. 

Secondly,  I'he  indignities  he  suffered  before 
Herod. 

I.  This  part  of  Christ's  sufferings  was  occasion- 
ed jiartly  by  our  blessed  Lord's  accusers,  and  partly 
')y  Pilate. 

The  accusers  of  Christ  gave  occasion  to  it,  by 
mentioning  the  province  of  Galilee  in  their  accusa- 
tion of  our  blessed  Saviour.  When  the  chief  Priests 
observed  that  Pilate  fluctuated  in  his  opinion,  and 
not  only  seemed  to  be  convinced  of  our  Lord's  inno- 
<',cnce,  but  had  made  a  public  declaration  of  it,  they 
were  so  exasperated  that  the}-  assailed  the  blessed 
Jesus  with  a  violent  tempest  of  fresh  accusations. 
But  when  our  blessed  I^ord,  to  Pilate's  great  aston- 
ishment, would  not  make  any  answer,  they  grew  the 
more  ciamorons  and  importunate,   ajnd  represented 

VOL.    TI. 


42  chkist's  surrfiRiNGS  before 

the  prudent  silence  of  the  Lamb  of  God  as  proceed- 
ing from  a  consciousness,  that  he  had  nothing  to  say- 
in  answer  to  the  charge  brought  against  him,  or  to 
urge  by  way  of  excuse  or  justification.  Accordingly, 
^  they  were*  the  more  fierce  ;'  (verse  5.)  and  arming- 
themselves  with  fresh  eftVontery,  they  began  to  urge 
Piiate  with  new  calumnies  and  slanders.  To  these, 
however  the  dignity  of  their  rank  and  sanctity  of  their 
office  gave  the  necessary  weight  and  importance  ; 
and  as  they  w-ere  destitute  of  legal  proofs,  they  en- 
deavoured to  prevail  on  him  to  put  Jesus  to  death  by 
tumultuous  clamours  and  repeated  vociferations. 

As  the  Jews  had  nothing  new  to  urge  that  had  any 
appearance  of  truth,  so  as  to  induce  Pilate  to  comply 
with  their  desires,  they  repeated  their  former  charge 
of  rebellion,  but  tliey  clothed  it  in  other  words,  with 
the  addition  of  a  new  circumstance  which  could  not 
fail  of  having  some  weight  widi  Pilate.  They  had 
before  alleged,  '  We  found  this  fellow  perverting 
the  people.'  But  now  their  plea  is,  '  He  stirreth  up 
the  people/  As  Pilate  had  not  been  able  to  find  the 
least  trace  of  his  having  occasioned  a  public  insur- 
rection, they  seem  to  insist,  that  if  he  had  not  entire- 
ly alienated  the  minds  of  the  people,  so  as  to  make 
them  withdraw  their  allegiance  from  the  Roman 
government ;  yet  he  stirred  them  up,  and  occasioned 
among  them  many  dangerous  movements,  which 
might  at  last  terminate  in  an  open  revolt.  They 
here,  in  the  present  tense,  say  *  He  stirreth  up  the 
people,'  to  shew  that  Jesus  made  it  his  chief  business 
to  that  very  time  to  excite  the  people  to  rebel,  and 
that  but  a  few  days  before,  he  had  entered  Jerusalem, 
in  a  public  manner,  which  put  the  whole  city  in  a 
ferment,  (Matth.  xxi.  10.) 

As  for  the  manner  in  which  Jesus  is  said  to  have 
fatirrcd  up  the  people,  they  add  that  it  was  by  '  teach- 
ing;' and  consequently  they  accuse  him,  that  he  had 
conveyed  seditious  principles  with  his  doctrine,  and 
so  artfully  mingled  that  pernicious  venom  with  the 
religigus  errors  wliich  he  tau^htj  that  liis  hearers  h^acl 


THE   TRIBUNAL   OF   HEUOD.  4^ 

s^edily  imbibed  them  both.  They  further  observe, 
that  he  taught  not  only  in  one  place,  but  throuohout 
all  Judca  ;  so  that  the  whole  country,  which  hitlierto 
had  been  the  only  seat  of  pure  religion,  was  over-run 
with  his  seditious  and  erroneous  doctrines. 

Lastly,  By  adding  these  "words,  *  beginning  from 
Galilee  to  this  place,'  they  give  a  specimen  both  of 
their  craft,  and  their  malice-  Their  craft  apjxrars  hy 
their  endeavouring  to  discharge  themselves  of  the  ob- 
ligation of  bringing  proofs  of  the  charge  against 
Christ.  Hence  they  appeal  to  Galilee,  which  lay  at 
a  distance  on  the  confines  of  Judea,  from  whence 
witnesses  could  not  so  soon  be  produced.  They 
likewise  shewed  then'  malice  by  these  words:  For 
they  intended  to  give  Pilate  a  \vorse  opinion  of  Je- 
sus, because  he  was  of  that  pro\ince  ;  the  Galileans 
at  that  time  being  looked  upon  as  a  seditious,  turbu- 
lent, and  dissatisfied  set  of  people.  Some  years  be- 
fore, a  Galilean,  whose  name  was  Judas,  (see  Jose- 
phus's  Jewish  Antiquities,  B.  xviii.  C.  1,  2.)  had  ex- 
cited a  revolt,  on  account  of  some  new  tax  imposed 
upon  that  country,  (Acts  v.  57.)  Even  Pilate  him- 
self, not  long  before,  had  been  put  to  some  trouble 
by  the  Galileans ;  and  when  some  of  the  revolters 
came  to  Jerusalem  to  sacrifice  according  to  custom, 
he  massacred  them  in  the  temple  ;  so  that  their 
blood  was  mingled  witli  that  of  their  sacrifices,  (Luke 
xiii.  1.) 

By  alleging  before  Pilate  that  Jesus  had  begun 
to  teach  in  Galilee,  which  should  rather  liave  remind- 
ed them  of  the  accomplishment  of  the  prophcc}'  of 
Isaiah,  (chap.  ix.  1,  2.  compare  Match,  iv.  13—^16.) 
the  chief  Priests  intended  to  intimate,  that  Jesus  was 
a  native  of  Galilee,  and  by  this  means  to  raise  a  pre- 
judice against  him,  as  being  one  of  the  sedition?; 
Galileans.  For,  as  they  observed  to  Pilate,  if  he 
was  not  afraid  to  cause  such  a  commotion  at  his  pub- 
he  entry  into  Jerusalem,  which  was  the  residence  of 
the  Iloraan  governor,  what  may  he  aet  be  supposed  t^ 


44  CHUIST's   SUFfEllINGS  BEfOllE 

have  attempted  in  the  remote  northern  parts  of  Jw-, 
dea.  These  inferences  were  drawn  from  probabili- 
ties and  conjectures  ;  and  such  false  conclusions  are 
.■generally  influenced  by  the  prince  of  darkness,  who 
knows  iiow  to  take  advantage  of  them,  for  the  en- 
largement of  his  kingdom,  and  the  oppression  of 
Christ  and  his  cause.  By  this  hint,  however,  the  ac- 
cusers of  the  blessed  Jesus  were  the  occasion  of  send- 
ing him  to  Herod,  because  Galilee  was  \inder  his  ju- 
risdiction. 

Pilate  the  more  readily  embraced  this  opportunity, 
as  he  had  a  strong  desire  of  getting  clear  of  this  trou- 
blesome affair  in  a  handsome  manner.     Therefore, 
on  hearing  that  Christ  had  begun  to  teach  in  Galilee, 
und  had  spent  a  great  part  of  his  time  in  that  country, 
he  concluded  that  he  was  a  native  of  Galilee,  and 
immediately  asked  our  Saviour's  accusers, '  Whether 
the  man  were  a  Galilean  ?'  The  Jews  made  no  dif- 
ficulty to  answer  in  the  affirmative,  in  hopes  of  ren- 
dering Jesus  more  odious  to  Pilate ;  who  possibly 
might  now  suspect  him  of  being  one  of  the  followers 
of  Judas  the  Galilean,  who  but  a  little  time  before, 
had  committed  so  many  disorders  in  that  country, 
Pilate  supposing,  by  this  answer  of  the  Jews,   that. 
Jesus  was  a  Galilean,  and  consequently  a  subject  of 
King  Herod,  sent  him  to  that  Prince,  who  being  a 
Jew,  probably  was  then  at  Jerusalem  on  account  of 
the    Passover.       This  Herod,  who   was    surnamed 
Antipas,  was  the  son  of  Herod,  (By  Malthace,)  who 
massacred  the  innocent  children  at  Bethlehem  and 
its  territories.     He  was  the  same  Herod,  v/ho  had 
caused  John  the  Baptist  to  be  beheaded,  (Matth.xiv. 
10. )  who  liad  likewise  before  endeavoured  to  destroy 
Jesus,  (Luke   xiii.  31,  32.)  probably,  from  an  ab- 
surd notion  that  the    soul  of  John   the  Baptist  was 
transmigrated  into  him.     Now  Herod's  jurisdiction 
particularly  extended  over  that  part  of  J udea  which 
was  called  Galilee,  (hence  he  is  stilcd  Tetrarch  of 
Galilee,  Luke  iii.   1.)  and  on  this  acQount  frequent- 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    HEROD.  45 

disputes  might  be  supposed  to  arise  between  him 
and  the  Roman  governor  Pilate,  occasioned  by  en- 
croachments on  each  other's  rights  and  prerogatives. 

To  this  Herod  the  blessed  Jesus  was  now  sent ; 
and  in  this  proceeding  Pilate's  views  were  political; 
but  at  the  same  time,  they  were  wicked .  In  the 
first  place,  he  thought  that  by  this  means  he  should 
with  honour  free  himself  of  this  troublesome  affair 
about  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  He  thought  this  a  very 
proper  expedient  to  avoid  condemning  a  person 
>vhom  he  looked  upon  as  innocent,  and  incurring  the 
hatred  of  the  Jewish  clergy  and  people.  He  conclu- 
ded that  as  Herod  was  a  Jew,  he  could  better  decide 
this  cause,  which  seemed  principally  to  relate  to  the: 
Jewish  religion.  He  thought  that  Herod  would  cer- 
tainly be  oftended  with  the  chief  Priests,  because 
they  had  overlooked  him,  and  had  not  immediately 
brought  their  prisoner  before  his  judgment-seat ;  and 
therefore  it  was  not  probable  that  he  \\ould  order 
Jesus  to  be  put  to  death,  out  of  complaisance  to  them  : 
And  in  case  he  should,  Pilate  imtigined  that  he 
shotdd  have  no  hand  in  condemning  the  innocent. 
Pilate  was  likewise  pleased  to  think,  that  he  should 
at  the  same  time  pay  a  compliment  to  Herod  ;  so  tfiat, 
on  another  occasion,  Herod  might  gratify  him  in  re- 
turn. Such  in  all  probability,  were  his  views  and 
designs  in  this  proceeding. 

However,  the  greatest  injustice  lay  concealed  un- 
der this  pretence  of  political  prudence.  For  Pilate- 
thus  delivered  up  an  innocent  and  righteous  man, 
whom  it  was  his  duty  not  only  to  acquit  at  his  tiibu- 
nal,  but  also  to  protect  against  the  rage  and  malice 
of  his  enemies.  He  sent  the  blessed  Jesus  to  a  judge, 
who,  it  was  well  known,  had  before  saught  his  lifC;, 
and  had  rendered  himself  odious  to  all  good  men  by 
tlie  scandalous  and  unjust  execution  of  John  the 
Baptist.  (See  Josephus's  Jewish  Antiquities,  B.  xviii. 
C.  7.)  On  this  account,  the  accusers  of  the  I^ord 
Jesus  desired  nothing  more,  than  to  be  jvfrrred  to 


4iJ  CHSIST'sT  StTFFERINGS    LEFORfi 

Herod;  being  persuaded,  diatit  would  be  no  dif&- 
cult  matter  to  obtain  his  order  for  putting  Jesus  to 
death.  From  this  account  of  the  occasion  of  our 
blessed  Saviour's  sufferings  before  Herod,  we  shalf 
ileduce  the  following  truths. 

First,  The  enemies  of  true  piety  at  present  deal 
jvith  the  members  of  Christ,  as  they  formerly  did 
"vvith  the  Head.  This  we  shall  endeavour  to  prove 
us  follows,  from   the  words  here  explained. 

1.  As  the  enemies  of  our  blessed  Lord  construed 
iiis  silence  to  be  a  sign  of  bad  cause,  and  on  that 
account  urged  their  groundless  accusations  with  the 
more  boldness ;  so  it  is  just  the  same  in  our  days. 
When  the  faithful  servants  of  God  forbear  answering 
the  calumnies,  and  libels  dispersed  abroad  against 
them,  accounting  it  an  unprofitable  waste  of  time, 
the  world  cries  out,  "  We  may  see  what  kind  of 
consciences  these  people  have,  who  have  not  a  word 
to  say  in  their  own  defence.  If  they  were  innocent, 
doubtless  they  would  not  let  such  things  go  unan- 
jswercd.  "  Thus  they  slander  the  more  boldly,  and 
publish  new  accusations  without  the  least  sense  of 
discretion  or  modesty. 

2.  As  our  blessed  Saviour's  enemies  were  con- 
tinually repeating  their  former  accusations,  only- 
dressing  them  in  a  new  garb;  so  is  it  still  the  way 
of  persecutors  and  detractors  who  renew  old  calum- 
nies which  had  long  since  been  refuted  by  the  most 
convincing  apologies,  and  put  them  forth  into  the 
?.vorld  under  a  new  appearance. 

3.  As  the  accusers  of  Christ  charged  him  with 
.moving  seditions  and  tumults,  in  order  to  instigate 
the  civil  power  against  him  ;  so  at  present,  ill  de- 
signing men  infuse  an  ill  opinion  of  the  good  and 
virtuous  into  the  men  of  power.  They  represent 
them  as  conceited,  self-willed,  obstinate  persons,- 
who  are  wanting  in  due  respect  to  their  Sovereigns  ; 
who  speak  evil  of  dignities  and  magistrates  ;  who 
occasion  all  kinds  gf  trouble    and  disturbances   i^ri 


TftE    TRIBUNAL    OF    HEROJ>.  % 

§tates,  and  would  introduce  a  new  system  of  religion; 
so  that  it  were  better  for  government  to  banish  thetti 
jout  of  their  respective  dominions. 

4.  As  the  enemies  of  Christ  accuse  his  doctrine^ 
as  tainted  with  the  poison  of  pernicious  errors ;  so 
now  unnecessary  admonitions  are  given  againftt  such 
pretended  secret  poison.  The  enemies  of  the  truth, 
cannot  deny,  that  the  writings  of  those  authors  they 
condemn  contain  a  great  deal  of  good  ;  but  they  pre- 
tend, without  any  just  grounds,  that  it  is  mixt  with 
so  much  poison  as  not  to  be  read  without  extreme 
danger. 

5.  As  the  accusers  of  the  blessed  Jesus  charged 
him,  that  at  least  he  prepared  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple tor  a  revolt,  though  it  was  not  actually  broke  out 
into  open  rebellion  ;  so  in  our  days,  the  pure  doc- 
trine of  Christ  is  accused  as  the  foundation  of  all 
4ieresy,  and  pernicious  errors  ;  and  therefore  the 
followers  of  Antichrist  pretend,  that  the  growing 
evil  is  to  be  opposed  in  time,  and  that  the  sparks; 
which  lie  concealed  in  the  embers  must  be  quenched, 
lest  they  kindle  a  conflagration,  in  which  the  church 
and  state  may  be  involved. 

6.  As  the  accusers  of  Christ  represented  him  as 
one  of  that  rebellious  multitude,  which  liad  made  an 
insurrection  in  Galilee,  and  refused  to  pay  tribute  to 
the  Roman  emperor ;  so  it  is  in  our  times.  Thus 
Luther  was  charged  by  his  adversaries  Avith  acting/ 
in  concert  with  'J'homas  jMuntzer;  and  thus  many 
faithful  servants  of  God  are  accused  of  holdincr  the 
tenets  of  the  ancient  or  modern  heretics,  and  of  pro- 
pagating, almost  the  same  impious  doctrines. 

7.  Lastly,  As  the  enemies  of  our  blessed  Savi- 
our mingled  some  truths  with  their  false  accusations; 
as,  for  instance,  that  Jesus  began  to  tsach  in  Galilee ; 
but  perverted  those  truths  to  a  very  wicked  purpose ; 
so  likewise  many  things  are  laid  to  the  cliarge  of  the 
fiuthfui  servants  of  God,  which  are  really  true;  but 
tliese  are  mixe^  with  falie  imputationsv  and  siich  ifti . 


4^  CIIUIST's    SUFFJiHINGS    BEFOllE 

pious  designs  as  never  entered  into  their  thoughts. 
By  this  conformity  between  the  ancient  and  modern 
opposers  of  triidi,  we  see  that  the  scene  continues 
much  the  same  to  this  day,  though  the  persons  who 
act  this  base  part  are  changed  from  time  to  time. 
But  happy  is  it  for  us,  that  satan  began  at  the  head 
and  captain  of  our  Salvation,  since  by  that  means  the 
way  is  pa\cd  for  the  members,  that  they  may  get 
over  the  oilence  of  the  cross.  Praised  be  the  Lord 
Jesus  for  sul:)mitling  to  all  these  accusations  for  our 
sake. 

Secondly,  Political  prudence,  unless  it  be  go- 
verned by  the  superior  light  of  God's  word,  has  al- 
^vays  shewn  itself  an  enemy  to  Christ  and  his  cross. 

Of  this  we  here  see  a  remarkable  instance  in  Pi- 
iate.  The  political  prudence,  which  he  shewed  on 
this  occasion,  was  a  carnal  prudence,  tending  to  in- 
crease the  sufferings  of  the  innocent  Jesus,  and  ex- 
pose him  to  farther  insults  ;  though  God  at  the  same 
time  conducted  these  several  incidents,  so  as  to  ac* 
complish  his  decrees.    For, 

1.  By  this  ^vas  fulfilled  that  prophecy  concerning 
tiic  Messiah,  '  The  kings  of  the  earth  set  themselves 
and  the  rulers  take  counsel  to^^ether  against  the  Lord 
and  against  the  Messiah,  or  his  Anointed,'  (Psalm  ii. 
2.     Acts  iv.  27.) 

2.  By  this  circumstance  Christ's  innocence  be- 
came still  more  conspicuous,  and  more  publicly 
Imovvn. 

3.  By  this  delay  of  the  proceedings  against  our 
blessed  Saviour,  his  enemies  and  accusers  had  some 
time  to  reflect  on  ^vhat  they  were  about,  before  they 
plunged  themselves  deeper  in  blood-guiltiness. 
However,  these  were  not  the  effects  of  Pilate's  saga- 
city or  prudence  ;  but  of  the  divine  wisdom,  which 
directs  every  thing  to  good  and  wise  ends.  This  is 
too  often  the  behaviour  of  magistrates  and  judges  in 
our  days.  Political  men  will  not  put  themselves  to 
the  least  inconveniencv  for  the  sake  oi'  tlic  imioceut 


THE     TRIBUNAL    OF    HEROD.  49 

ami  good  ;  and  when  they  might,  and  ought  to  pro- 
tect them,  they  are  given  up  to  the  popular  rage. 
Tliis  is  usually  covered  with  some  outward  pretence, 
while  the  mind  has  another  object  in  view.  This  is 
accounted  prudence  and  sagacity  by  the  world  ;  bat 
in  the  sight  of  God,  it  is  folly  and  sin.  Without 
the  light  of  divine  grace,  no  man  can  discharge  a 
civil  post  or  worldly  employment,  so  as  to  preserve 
his  integrity^,  and  a  conscience  void  of  offence.  The 
power  of  darkness  will  prove  too  strong  for  a  man 
before  he  is  aA^'are  of  it,  unless  he  is  supported  by 
power  from  on  high.  What  great  reason  therefore, 
have  civilians  and  politicians  to  apply  to  the  living 
God  for  the  guidance  of  his  spirit. 

Thirdly,  Christ,  by  these  circumstances  of  his  pas- 
sion, was  to  expiate  many  kinds  of  sin.  He  has 
atoned, 

1.  For  our  suppressions  of  good  motions  when 
they  arise  in  the  mind,  and  our  hypocrisy  in  this 
particular.  Therefore  he  suffered  himself  to  be 
charged  with  raising  rebellions  and  commotions 
among  the  people. 

2.  He  has  atoned  for  the  turbulent  and  rebellious; 
motions,  which  frequently  rise  in  our  hearts  against 
the  divine  law,  to  which  the  carnal  mind  will  not  be 
subject  ;  and  likewise  against  the  ordinance  of  the 
civil  power. 

3.  Hg  has  atoned  for  our  voluntary  subjection 
to  the  power  of  the  prince  of  darkness.  Therefore 
he  submitted  to  be  brought  before  the  civil  powers, 
and  even  before  Herod,  a  foreign  prince  to  whose  go- 
vernment he  did  not  properly  belong,  being  a  native 
of  Judea  and  not  of  Galilee,  and  was  mocked  and 
reviled  before  them. 

4.  He  atoned  for  our  fear  of  man,  in  omitting^  to 
protect  truth  and  innocence. 

5.  He  atoned  for  the  abuse  of  the  Sovereign  pow- 
er by  which  we  endeavour  to  accomplish  our  wicked 
design  by  rendering  our  enemy  obnoxious  to  th,'^ 

VOL.    II.  G 


50  CHHIST's    SUFFEIUNGS    BETORE 

government,  ^^4len  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  cnisii 
him.  All  these,  and  the  hke  sins,  concurred  to  oc- 
casion this  part  of  our  blessed  Saviour's  sufteri  .gs, 
and  vviii  for  hib  sake  be  forgiven,  if  we  duly  repent  of 
them,  and  beheve  in  him, 

II.  We  now  come  to  consider  the  sufferings  and 
indignities  wliieh  Jesus  endured  before  king  Herod, 
Our  blessed  Lord  had,  indeed,  already  suffered  a 
great  deak  He  had  been  led  about  the  city  in  bonds, 
as  a  gazing-stock  to  be  reviled  and  insulted,  and  had 
been  brought  in  that  mani-.tr  from  Pilate  to  Herod. 
It  is  hardly  to  be  supposed  that  the  procession  was 
slow,  and  that  they  led  him  along  gently.  On  the 
contrary,  it  is  more  probable  that  the  rude  multitude 
dragged  him,  and  pushed  him,  in  a  brutish  manner ; 
since  they  were  impatient  to  have  the  trial  over. 
Thus  the  sacred  body  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  which, 
the  night  before,  had  sweated  blood  during  his  men.al. 
agony j  was  now  the  more  enfeebled  by  this  rude 
treatment,  and  was  after  all  this,  on  the  same  day,  o- 
blieed  to  drae-  the  cross  after  him  to  mount  Golorotha, 
But  the  sufferings  which  Christ  endured  before 
Herod  properly  consisted  of  these  four  particulars. 

1.  In  the  disadvantageous  opinion  which  Herod 
conceived  of  him.  This  profligate  and  voluptuous 
Prince  looked  on  our  Saviour  as  a  sorcerer,  who  per- 
formed surprising  v/onders  by  his  skill  in  magic. 
On  this  account  he  was  exceeding  glad  when  he  was 
informed,  that  this  famous  .magician,  as  he  thought, 
of  whom  he  had  already  heard  such  strange  things^ 
was  to  be  brought  before  him.  He  made  no  doubt 
that  he  sliould  be  entertained  with  the  sight  of  many 
wonderful  performances,  which  he  had  only  heard  of 
before  from  other  persons.  To  hear  the  pure  doc- 
trine of  the  blessed  Jesus,  and  to  be  instructed  by 
him  how  to  live  in  chastity,  righteousness,  and  holi- 
ness, was  no  part  of  Herod's  desire  ;  but  his  impa- 
tience was  to  see  Jesus,  being  persuaded  that  he 
would  be  very  glad  to  exhibit  the  most  surprising* 


THE    Till  I]  UN  A  L    OF    IIEr.OD.  51 

specimens  of  his  art  to  a  person  of  his  high  rank,  in 
order  to  gain  his  favour,  as  a  means  for  his  delive- 
rance. This  unworthy  idea,  which  Herod  en- 
tertained of  our  blessed  Saviour,  is  unquestionably  to 
be  reckoned  as  a  part  of  his  sufferings.  How  deep 
was  the  abasement  of  the  son  of  th.':  most  High  !  For 
as  he  was  afterwards  numbered  among  the  transgres- 
sors ;  so  here  lie  suffers  himself  to  be  reckoned 
among  jugglers,  sorcerers,  and  magiciu.is,  that  he 
might  open  a  wa}'  to  grace  and  repentance  for  such 
deluded  engines  of  satan. 

2.  The  sufferings  of  Christ  before  Herod  further 
consisted  in  many  unnecessary,  curious,  and  con- 
temptuous questions,  which  were  put  to  him.  We 
are  told  by  ht.  Luke,  that  Herod  '  questioned  him 
in  many  words.'  the  purport  of  which  questions,  and 
the  manner  of  asking  them,  the  evangelist  has  not 
specified  :  and  as  they  probably  related  to  such  trivial 
and  improper  things,  that  Jesus  did  not  think  them 
■worth  his  notice,  it  may  be  presumed,  that  his  ques- 
tions were  suitable  to  his  expectations  of  seeing  jtsus 
perform  some  magical  wonders.  It  is  not  improb- 
able that  he  enqun-td,  W'hetherhe  was  John  the  Bap- 
tist ?  Whether  the  soul  of  that  prophet  was  transfu- 
sed into  Jesus  ?  What  methods  he  took  instantaneous- 
ly to  cure  certain  distempers  ?  Whether  he  pretended 
to  be  the  king  of  the  Jews?  Whether  he  laid  any 
claim  to  the  province  of  Galilee  ?  How  he  could  ex- 
pect to  make  good  his  pretensions  ?  &c.  besides 
many  sarcasticai  questions  concerning  the  mean  cip- 
pearance,  and  the  prophetic  and  kingly  cflice  of  the 
blessed  Jesus.  How  se;isibly  must  this  ha\'C  affected 
our  blessed  Lord !  How  <iiust  he  have  grieved  to 
hear  so  many  vain,  idle,  and  sarcasticai  questions ; 
and  this  at  a  time  when  he  was  taken  up  with  the 
most  important  serious  thoughts  for  reconciling 
heaven  and  earth,  and,  by  the  shedding  of  his  pre- 
cious blood,  to  establish  everlasting  peace  between 
God  and  man  !  He  therefore  neither  returned  anv 


CHRIST  S  SUFFERINGS  BEFORE 


Our  blessed  SaViour's  sufferings  before  Herod 


answer  to  Herod's  questions,  nor  gratified  his  cul- 
pable curiosity  by  any  signs  or  wonders.  He  would 
not  cast  pearls  before  swine,  nor  use  his  divine  power 
of  ^v■orking  miracles  to  make  a  show  to  entertain  the 
wanton  e}'es  of  a  voluptuous  scoifer.  He  was  like- 
wise well  assured,  that  the  sentence  of  death  was  not 
to  be  executed  on  him  by  Herod,  the  Jewish  king, 
but  by  the  Roman  governor;  therefore  he  kept  si- 
lence, that  he  might  be  the  sooner  remanded  back  to 
his  appointed  judge. 

3 
consisted  also  in  the  violent  accusations  of  his  adver 
saries.     Itis  said,  by  the  evangelist,  '  the  chiefPriests 
and  scribes   stood,  and  vehemently    accused  him.' 
'.rhey  bent  the  bow  of  malice  to  its  utmost  stretch 
and  lay  their  heads   together,  to  set  forth  their  ac- 
cusations in  the  most  probable,  and  at  the  same  time, 
the  most  virulent  manner.     Here  they  may  be  sup- 
posed to    have   collected    together     whatever  they 
■c^ould  find  to  object  against  Christ,  not  only  relating 
to  an  insurrection  and  revolt,  but  likewise  concern- 
ing the  article  of  heresy.     Thus  a  favourable  oppor- 
tunity presented  itself  to  Herod,  to  display  his  zeal 
ibr  the  Jewish  church  and  religion  ;  for  he  studied 
every  way  to  ingratiate  himself  with  the  Jews,  and 
for  this  purpose,   had  given  himself  the  trouble  of 
coming  to  Jerusalem  at  this  time  on  account  of  the 
feast  of  the  Passover.     Here  doubtless  they  magni- 
fied to  the  utmost  the  great  mischiefs  which    they 
pretended,  this  man  had  done  in  Galilee,  which  was 
properly  Herod's  government  :    How  some  thou- 
sands   of  the  common  peo})le  had  gone  frequently 
after  him,  and  thus  given  themselves  up  to  an  idle 
and  disorderly  liic,  neglecting  their  families  and  re- 
spective callings  ;  so  that  they  become  a  burden  to 
the  public.     They    probably  represented  that   this 
was  the  man  whom  his  royal  father,  in   his    great 
wisdom,  was  for  destroying  when  he  heard  of  his 
birth  by  the  eastern  Magi ;  and  that  at  present,  he 


THE   TRIBUNAL    OF   HEROD.  53" 

Jiad  a  favourable  opportunity  of  ridding  the  Jcwisli 
church  and  state  of  such  a  pernicious  heretic  and^ 
rebel,  and  by  that  means  of  endearing  his  memory  to 
the  latest  posterity.  These  indeed  are  the  motives, 
which  the  spirit  of  this  world  often  finds  successful 
in  exciting  the  minds  of  the  great  and  powerful  to  thct 
most  cruel  persecutions. 

4.  Lastly,  The  sufferings  of  Christ  before  Herod 
likewise  consisted  in  many  barbarous  insults  and 
mockeries.  ' Herod  and  his  mdn of  wai, '  as  the  evan 
gelist  informs  us,  '  set  him  at  nought,  '  and  mocked 
him  ;  and  ha\  ing  arrayed  him  in  a  gorgeous  robe, 
scHit  him  again  to  Pilate.'  Herod  resented  our  bles- 
sed Lord's  silence  ;  looked  upon  it  as  a  contempt  of 
his  dignity,  that  he  Mould  not  so  much  as  return  an 
answer  to  the  many  questions  he  had  asked  him  ; 
and  therefore  he  was  determined  to  make  Jesus  feel 
the  weight  of  his  displeasure,  and  iiccordingly 
mocked  and  abused  him  in  a  barbarous  and  inhu- 
man manner.  He  not  onlv  insulted  our  iDlessed 
Sa\'iour  with  all  manner  of  contumelious  words,  and 
opprobrious  names,  but  ordered  a  gorgeous  or  a 
white  robe  to  be  put  on  him,  as  a  m.ock  ensign  of 
royalty  ;  for  the  latter  was  the  usiial  habit  Avorn  al 
Rome  by  those  who  stood  candidates  for  the  Consul- 
ship, &c.  In  this  garb  of  mock  pageantry,  he  was 
first  presented  to  Herod's  court  as  a  laughing-stock, 
and  then  sent  back  through  the  streets  of  Jerusalem 
to  Pilate. 

A  white  garment,  indeed,  was  no  reproach  to  thft 
blessed  Jesus.  He  M'as  the  pure  unspotted,  and  in- 
nocent Lamb  of  God,  vv'ho  was  (ilear  from  all  guilt  ; 
which  Herod,  undesignedly  and  against  his  will,  was 
obliged  to  acknowledge  even  by  his  mockery.  He 
was  the  King  of  Kings  :  He  was  the  Prince  of  Peace, 
and  the  conqueror  of  all  his  enemies,  (Rev.  vi.  2. — 
xix.  11.  14.)  He  was  the  Antitype  of  die  high 
priest  of  the  Jewish  church  who,  on  the  great  day  of 
iitonement,  went  into  the  holy  of  holies  clothed  in  a 


^4  Christ's  sitffeuings  before 

white  vestment.  But  of  these  mysteries  Herod  was 
entirely  ignorant  :  He  looked  upon  it  as  a  ridicule 
on  the  sacred  person  of  Jesus,  and  this  white  robe 
was  put  on  him  amidst  the  loud  laughters  and  brutal 
mockeries  of  Herod  and  his  soldiers. 

In  this  contemptuous  indignity  Herod  first  set  the 
example.  He  despised  Jesus  as  a  memi  obscure 
person,  and  one  of  no  account,  whose  head  was  stuf- 
fed with  chimerical  notions  of  royalty,  though  he  had 
no  power  to  execute  his  airy  projects ;  and  at  the 
same  time  he  mocked  the  blessed  Jesus,  and  treated 
him  like  a  child  or  an  idcot.  By  this  scandalous  be- 
haviouK,  however,  he  del^ased  himself  most ;  for  to 
mock  and  insult  a  helpless  person,  oppressed  with 
grief  and  misery,  by  no  means  becomes  a  magnani- 
jnous  prince ;  on  the  contrary,  it  argues  a  most  base 
and  degenerate  mind.  His  court  we  may  be  sure 
were  not  wanting  in  imitating  their  sovereign  ;  par- 
ticularly hib  guards,  who  were  then  present,  endea- 
voured to  entertain  him  by  all  manner  of  ludicrous 
jests  and  grimaces,  in  contempt  of  the  person  of  the 
blessed  Jesus. 

These  execrable  proceedings  so  highly    pleased 
Herod,  that  he  harboured  no  farther  hatred  itgaiiist 
Pilate  from  that  time.     For  the  evangelist  add-,  that 
*  Pilate  and  Herod  were  the  same  day  made  friends  to- 
gether, though  before,  they  were  at  enmity  between 
themselves,'  (Luke  xxiii.  12.)  They  had  been  more 
particularly  inveterate  against  each  other,  since  Pilate 
had  caused  some  of  Herod's  subjects  to  be  barbar- 
ously massacred  at  Jerusalem.     Thus  Christ  was  to 
be  the  pledge  of  this  reconciliation,  and  the  means  of 
renewing   the  friendship  between   these   two  gieat 
personages.     But,  at  the  same  time,  a  divine  intmia- 
tion  was  given,  that  through  this  same  Jesus,  th'  en- 
mity between  Jews  and  Gentiles  should  be  abolished, 
(Pilate  being  a  Gentile,  and  Herod  a  Jew)  and  the 
peace,  which  had  been  interrupted,  restored.     Hence 
we  shall  deduce  the  following  truths  : 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    IIEROD.  55 

First,  Carnal  Ecclesiastics  are  the  bitterest  ene- 
mies oi  Christ  and  his  members. 

Pilate  and  Herod  ackiK)\vledged  the  innocence  of 
our  Dlesscd  Saviour  ;  so  that  ihty  made  some  scruple 
of  sentencing  him  to  die.  But  the  chief  Priests  and 
scribes  stood,  and  vehemently  accused  him,  and 
stuck  at  nothing  that  might  take  away  his  character 
and  life.  It  is  still  evident,  that  none  of  the  persecu- 
tors of  the  followers  and  disciples  of  Christ  came  up 
to  worldly  minded  Ecclesiastics  in  rancour  and 
cruelty'. 

Secondly,  The  great  ones  of  this  ^^'orld  arc  most 
apt  to  take  ofience  at  the  abasement  of  Christ,  and 
the  simplicity  and  plainness  of  the  christian  religion. 

It  is  observable,  that  our  blessed  Lord  never  was 
but  once  at  a  court,  and  then  he  was  bound  and  mock- 
ed, and  reviled.  Herod  was  overjoyed  when  he  saw- 
Jesus:  but  how  much  better  had  it  been  for  him,  if 
he  had  never  seen  him!  For  by  insulting  this  sa- 
cred person,  he  filled  up  the  measure  of  his  sins,  and 
drew  the  divine  vengence  on  his  own  head  ;  he  being- 
banished  not  long  after  this,  by  the  imperial -decree. 
This  consideration  should  move  us  to  be  more  fer- 
vent in  our  prayers  to  God  for  all  men,  and  espe- 
cially for  the  kings  and  rulers  of  this  world,  that  the 
divine  grace  would  preserve  them  from  stumbling  at 
this  corner  stone  which  God  had  laid  in  Sion,  and 
from  taking  offence  at  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel  ; 
and  that  he  would  deter  them  from  molesting  the 
faithful  follouers  of  Christ.  This  should  also  abate 
our  eager  desires  after  high  posts  andexalted  stations, 
and  teach  us  to  rest  contented  in  lower  circumstances, 
in  which  v/e  are  less  liable  to  take  offence  at  the  re- 
jiroach  of  Christ  and  the  plainness  of  his  salutary 
doctrines, 

THE     Pit  AVER. 

Ble3  3ED  be  thy   name,  O  heavenly    Father,  fo? 
giving  up  thy  beloved  Son  to  so  many  kinds  of  suffer- 


56  Christ's  surzERiNGS  bevot.z 

ings,  to  mockery,  insults,  reviling,  and  contempt  for 
tnir  sake.  Glory  be  to  thee,  O  blessed  Jesus,  for  thy 
^villingness  in  submitting  thyself,  who  art  the  eternal 
wisdom,  to  be  the  mockery  of  fools;  and  for  per- 
mitting the  spirit  of  ridicule  and  slander  to  foam  and 
rage  against  thy  sacred  person,  that  its  power  might 
be  broken,  and  that  we  might  not  be  kept  eternally 
in  its  bonds.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  every  one  of  us 
may,  in  the  mirror  of  thine  enemies,  see  the  image  of 
his  own  depravity,  and  own  with  shame  and  sorrow, 
that  he  has  at  least  in  his  heart  the  latent  seeds  of  all 
those  corruptions  which  broke  out  in  them  ;  so  that 
we  may  humble  ourselves  before  thee,  and  the  more 
earnestly  seek  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins  in  the  merit 
of  the  reproaches  and  sufferings  of  the  bonds,  insults, 
and  indignities  which  thou  didst  endure.  Bless  this 
consideration,  and  grant  that  it  may  tend  to  the  edifi- 
cation and  seilx  aiion  of  our  souls,  for  the  sake  of  thy 
numberless  and  undeserved  sufferings.     Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  IX. 

THE     UNJUST     METHOD     PILATE     TOOK     FOR    PRO- 
MOTING  OUR    BLESSED    LORD's    RELEASE. 

*  And  Pilate,  when  he  had  called  together  the 
chief  priests  and  rulers,  and  the  people,  said  unto 
them,  ye  have  brought  this  man  unto  me  as  one  that 
pcrverteth  the  people:  And  behold,  I  having  exam- 
ined him  before  you,  have  found  no  fault  in  this  man, 
touching  those  things  whereof  ye  accuse  him  ;  no, 
nor  yet  Herod  :  For  I  sent  you  to  him  and  lo !  nothing 
worthy  of  death  is  done  unto  him.  I  will  therefore 
chastise  him,  and  release  him.  Now  at  the  feast  of 
the  passover,  the  governor  was  wont  to  release  unto 
the  people  a  prisoner,  whom  they  would.  Therefore, 
of  necessity  he  must  release  one  unto  them  at  the  feast. 


THE    THIBUNAL    of   riLATE.  57 

And  there  was  one  named  Barabbas,  a  notoricnis  pris- 
oner, who  lay  bound  with  them  that  had  made  insur- 
rection with  him,  who  had  committed  murder  in  the 
insurrection,'  (jMatth.  xxvii.  15,  16.  Mark.  xv.  6,  7. 
Luke  xxiii.  17.) 

Pilate  had  already  begun  to  deviate  from  the  straight 
and  plain  ways  of  justice,  and  to  turn  into  by-paths, 
by  sending  to  Herod  the  Lord  Jesus,  of  whose  inno- 
cence he  was  perfectly  convinced,  with  a  view  of  ex- 
tricating himself  out  of  his  embarrassments,  and  re- 
moving this  process  to  another  tribunal.  But  divine 
providence  having  disappointed  this  contrivance  of 
his  political  sagacity  ;  for  Herod  sent  Jesus  back  to 
him,  arrayed  in  a  gorgeous  robe  ;  he  thought  on  a 
Jiew  expedient  for  clearing  himself  with  honour  of 
this  troublesome  affair,  without  either  condemning  an 
innocent  person,  or  drawing  on  himself  the  hatred  of 
tlie  Jewish  nation. 

But  before  he  puts  his  new  scheme  in  execution, 
he  again  makes  a  public  declaration  of  our  Saviour's 
innocence,  in  order  to  pave  the  way  for  the  design  he. 
had  formed.  To  this  end,  he  not  only  siunnioned 
the  chief  priests  and  elders  who  were  present,  as  the 
most  respectable  heads  of  this  assembly,  and  the 
managers  of  the  indictment  against  the  innocent  Jesus; 
but  likewise  made  a  sign  to  all  the  people,  who  stood 
in  multitudes  before  his  judgment- hall,  that  they 
should  draw  nearer,  and,  Avith  proper  silence  an.d 
attention,  hear  what  he  had  to  propose  to  them.  It 
is  very  probable,  that  by  thus  solemnly  declaring 
Christ's .  innocence,  Pilate  supposed  he  should  at 
least  work  on  the  populace,  so  that  they  ^vould  in- 
sist on  the  releasing  of  this  innocent  person.  For 
it  was  natural  to  believe,  that  among  such  a  multi- 
tude that  had  received  so  many  fovours  from  Jesus, 
who  had  healed  the  sick,  and  by  doing  good  to  all, 
deserved  well  of  them,  or  their  relations. 

Thus  Pilate  summons  the  whole  people  to  get 
together  in  a  body  :  Let  us  also  draw  nearer  to  his 

VOL.    ir.  H 


6'8^  x;]irist's  sufferings  before 

judgment- seat,  and  attentively  listen  to  this  public 
testimony  of  our  Redeemer's  innocence.  It  runs 
thus  :  '  Ye  have  brought  tliis  man  unto  me  as  one 
that  perverteth  the  people :  i^nd  behold,  I  having 
examined  him  before  you,  have  found  no  fault  in 
this  man,  touching  those  things  whereof  ye  accuse 
him 5  no,  nor  yet  Herod:  For  I  sent  you  to  him, 
and  lo  1  nothing  worthy  of  death  is  done  unto  him.* 

In  these  words  of  Pilate,  we  miiy  observe  three 
particulars. 

First,  He  summarily  repeats  the  contents  of  the 
charge,  which  the  chief  Priests  and  Elders  had  pre- 
i'erred  against  Jesus.  '  You  have,'  said  the  governor, 
*■  brought  this  man  unto  me  as  one  that  perverteth  the 
people.'  Thus  the  charge  of  rebellion  was  the  chief 
point  on  which  all  their  other  accusations  turned,  as 
it  was  the  article  into  which  Pilate,  ^\'ho  was  a  tem- 
poral judge  and  the  emperor's  vicegerent,  would  na- 
turally make  a  strict  enquiry.  This  part  of  their 
charge  he  publicly  repeats,  by  which  he  gives  them 
to  understand,  that  he  well  knew  their  meaning,  and 
was  very  sensible  of  the  greatness  of  the  crime,  <vhich 
4hey  cilleged  against  Jesus. 

Secondly,  He  in  clear  and  express  words  certifies, 
that  Christ  was  innocent  of  the  crime  laid  to  his 
charge  :  '  I  find  no  fault  in  this  man,  touching  those 
things  whereof  ye  accuse  him.  As  if  he  had  said, 
Y^ou  ha\e  collected  together  a  formidable  heap  of 
complaints,  and  accused  this  man  of  many  crimes ; 
yet  none  of  these  things  doth  he  acknowledge,  and  I 
myself  cannot  find  out  the  least  probabihty  of  his 
being  guilty.  For,  according  to  all  circumstances, 
and  the  best  information  I  can  get,  he  never  had  any 
buch  thoughts,  and  is  far  from  being  in  a  situation  to 
"<-"xecute  a  scheme  attended  with  so  much  difficulty. 

Thirdly,  He  confirms  his  testimony  by  a  double 
proof,  viz.  by  appealing  to  his  own  examination  of 
Jesus,  and  also  to  Herod's  judgment  concerning  him. 
In  tlic  first  place,  he  appeals  to  his  own  exanaination, 


THE    TRIBUNAL   OF   PILATE.  59 

of  which  they  had  been  witnesses:  Behold,  '  I  have 
examined  him  before  yon,'  i.  e.  I  have  questioned 
him,  enquired  into  his  case,  compared  his  confes- 
sion with  your  charge,  and  his  answer  with  the  de- 
positions of  your  witnesses,  and  done  every  thing 
which  could  be  expected  from  an  impartial  judge. 
And  as  by  the  Roman  laws  the  plaintiff  and  defend- 
ant are  to  be  confronted,  (Acts  xxv.  16.)  I  have 
likewise  acted  agreeably  to  this,  and  have  examined 
him  before  you,  who  were  present  at  my  enquiry  into 
his  case.  Therefore  yourselves,  would  you  but  speak 
the  truth,  must  own,  that  you  cannot  prove  the  man 
guilty  of  those  crimes  of  which  you  accuse  him. 

In  the  next  place,  he  appeals  to  Herod's  judg- 
ment, adding,  'No,  nor  yet  Herod.'  Besides,  He- 
rod has  not  found  the  man  guilty  of  any  crime  :  For 
I  sent  you  to  him,  and  lo,  nothing  worthy  of  death  is^ 
done  unto  him.'  He  probably  added,  You  knovv' 
that  there  has  been  a  misunderstanding  between  He- 
rod and  myself,  and  consequently  he  would  hardly 
have  acquitted  the  prisoner  in  complaisance  to  me» 
Besides,  I  did  not  acquaint  him  with  my  opinion  of 
the  man's  innocence  ;  but  left  the  ^vhole  to  his  own 
penetration.  You  yourselves  were;also  present  there, 
and  doubiless  were  not  wanting  to  set  off  your  accu- 
sation in  the  best  manner.  But  he  has  been  found 
guilty  of  nothing  worthy  of  death  ;  which  I  conclude 
from  Herod's  sending  him  back  to  me,  and  by  tl>e 
white  robe  in  which  he  ordered  him  to  be  clothed. 
By  this,  I  suppose,  his  design  is  to  shew,  that  hf. 
looks  upon  him  as  a  person  of  a  crazed  imagination, 
who  ought  to  be  laut^hed  at  for  his  chimeras,  but  far 
from  having  done  any  thing  worthy  of  death.  Now, 
you  cannot  but  acquiesce  in  the  judgment  of  Hcrod^ 
who  is  of  your  own  religion,  and  sovereign  of  Galilee, 
where  you  pretend  this  man  has  been  most  busy  in 
sawing  sedition.  If  this  were  true,  Herod,  as  thr 
ruler  of  the  country,  must  have  had  the  best  inforaia . 
,tion.  of  it.     Such  v.-as  Pilate's  te'  timonv  of  ^ur  bler-:^ 


GU  Christ's  sufferings  before 

sed  Saviour's  innocence,  from  which,  before  we  pro- 
ceed any  furdier,  v/e.  shall  deduce  die  following 
truths. 

1.  As  the  innocence  of  Jesus  Christ  was  to  be  im- 
puted to  JcAvs  and  Gentiles  at  the  divine  tribunal,  so 
it  was  likewise  to  be  made  manifest  at  the  tribunals 
of  Jews  and  Gentiles. 

The  perfect  innocence  of  our  blessed  Saviour  was 
to  be  the  only  means  for  reconciling  men  to  God, 
and  the  veil  that  was  to  cover  their  sins.     Now,  as ' 
the  whole  human  race,  until  the  incarnation  of  Christ, 
had  been  divided  into  Jews  and  Gentiles  with  respect 
to  religion  ;  the  testimony  of  his  innocence  was  to  be 
corroborated  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  Jews  and 
Gentiles.     I'ilate  was  a  Gentile,  Herod,  on  the  con- 
trary,   was  a  Jew.     Both   these  great  personages, 
though  they  differed  widely  in  their  religion  and  po- 
litics,  though  they  were  at  open  enmity  with  each 
other,  yet  agreed  in  this  ;  that  Jesus  had  done  nothing 
^vorthy  of  death.     Indeed,   the  innocence  of  Christ 
was  infinitely  beyond  what  the  judges  could  possibly 
conceive.     He  wa.s  not  only  innocent  of  any  crimes 
punishable  with  death,  but  there  was  not  the  least 
shadow  of  guilt  or  sin  in  him.     For,  as  St.  Paul  ob- 
serves,  '  Such  a  high  priest  became  us,  who  is  holy, 
harmless,  undefiled,  separate  from  sinners,  and  made 
higher  than  the  heavens,   (Heb.  vli.  26.)     He  was 
tlierefore  so  far  from  meriting  death,  that  he  did  not 
deserve  the  least  mockery  or  abuse.     It  was  suffi- 
cient,  according  to  human  laws,  that  Jesus  was  ac- 
quitted of  the  charge  brought  against  him.     But  not- 
withstanding all  this,  he  was  afterwards  sentenced  to 
die.     Hence  it  may  be  easily  conjectured,  that  the 
cause  of  his  death  did  not  lie  in  his  own  person,  but 
in  us.     Oh,  that  we  may  be  truly  sensible,  that  our 
transgressions   were  the  real  cause  of  the  death  of 
Christ !    For,  we,  by  our  sins,  laid  the  foundation  of 
the   sentence,    which  God  pronounced  against  his 
Son.     How  ought  this  knowledge  to  humble  us.  and 


i 


THE    TRIBUNAL   OF   PILATE,  61 

ut  the  same  time,  to  put  us  in  a  condition  of  la}  ini;' 
hold  on  Christ's  innocence,  as  our  own,  and  pleading 
it  at  the  divine  tribunal. 

2.  Charity  requires  that  we  should  clear  our 
neighbour  when  he  is  slandered,  and  bear  witiicss  to 
his  innocence. 

A  christian  is  bound  to  love  his  neighbour  as  him  - 
self.  Now,  as  we  are  all  ready  enough  to  justify  our 
own  innocence,  when  aspersed  by  calunniies  and  ma- 
licious reports,  it  is  therefore  likewise  our  duty  to  be 
concerned  for  our  neighbour's  innocence,  and,  as 
much  as  in  us  lies,  to  protect  it  from  injuries.  lu 
the  instance  before  us,  Pilate  publicly  clears  our 
blessed  Saviour's  character  before  all  the  people,  and 
by  his  testimony  of  Christ's  innocence,  contradicts 
the  rulers  of  the  Jewish  nation,  who  charged  him  with 
being  a  malefactor.  This  public  testimony  of 
Christ's  innocence,  given  by  the  Roman  governor, 
is  to  be  considered  as  a  prelude  of  what  ^vas  afterwards 
to  come  to  pass  in  the  Roman  empire.  For  several 
of  the  emperors  bore  witness  to  the  innocence  of  the 
followers  of  Christ,  in  public  instruments,  and  man- 
dates to  the  governors  of  provinces,  enjoining  tiiem  to 
forbear  molesting  the  Christians,  and  putting  them 
to  death.  The  very  persecutors  and  executioners  oi 
those  harmless  persons  were  often  sensible  of  their 
innocence,  and  could  not  forbear  giving  testimony 
ofit. 

But  this  heathen  governor  will  rise  in  judgment 
against  many  Christians,  who  have  behaved  very 
differently  towards  the  innocent  members  of  Christ, 
from  what  he  did  towards  our  Saviour  with  regard  to 
his  mnocence.  Many  are  convinced  of  the  innocence, 
of  the  faithful  servants  of  Christ,  when  the  world  as- 
perses them  v»  ith  the  most  virulent  slanders ;  but 
will  not  speak  a  single  Mord  in  their  defence,  from  a 
pusillanimous  fear  of  being  suspected  to  have  any 
connection  with  them.  Others  are  still  more  enlpa^ 
ble,  who  arc  so  far  from  taking  the  part  of  innocence, 


CHRIST  S   SUFFERIKCS  BEF0fv2 

that  they  concur  in  revihng  and  loading  it  with  ca- 
lumnies. There  is  a  third  class  still  more  abandoned 
than  either  of  these,  who,  like  Herod,  make  a  mock 
of  suffering  innocence  ;  and  others  again,  who  in  the 
gall  of  bitterness,  like  Pilate,  contrary  to  their  own 
kno\A  ledge  and  conscience,  join  in  oppressing  truth 
and  innocence.  All  these  offend  grossly  against  the 
ninth  commandment,  though  some  sin  with  more 
aggravated  guilt  than  others. 

Pilate,  having  thus  publicly  borne  witness  to  the 
innocence  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  makes  use  of  two  un- 
warrantable expedients,^  in  order  to  procure  his  re- 
leasement.  If  he  had  acted  agreeably  to  the  convic- 
tion of  his  conscience,  he  would  have  discharged  this 
innocent  person,  notwithstanding  the  accusations  of 
the  chief  Priests,  and  have  resolutely  protected  him 
against  their  malice  and  rage.  But  a  mean,  abject 
fear  of  man,  and  worldly  policy,  led  him  into  crooked 
ways ;  so  that  he  attempted  to  gain  Ins  point  by 
craft,  that  he  might  not  make  the  chief  Priests  his. 
enemies,  by  an  open  affront.  To  this  purpose  he 
makes  two  proposals  to  them. 

The  first  proposal  of  Pilate  was,  to  chastise  Jesus, 
and  to  let  him  go.  The  rules  of  justice  required, 
that  he  should  discharge  the  innocent ;  but  to  offer 
to  scourge  him,  was  the  height  of  injustice.  If  Je- 
sus was  guilty,  Vvhy  should  he  release  him  ?  And  if 
he  was  innocent,  why  should  he  offer  to  scourge  him  ? 
Thus  Pilate  was  prompted  by  his  carnal  ^^  isdom  to 
have  recourse  to  a  most  iniquitous  method.  He 
was  for  satisfying  his  troubled  conscience,  and  there- 
fore scrupled  to  execute  the  sentence.  But  he  wis^ 
at  the  same  time,  willing  to  humour  the  inveterate 
hatred  of  the  Jews  against  the  blessed  Jesus,  and  to 
support  the  reputation  of  his  venerable  accusers  :  He 
therefore  proposed  to  scourge  him,  that  it  might  not 
be  thought  that  the  person  accused  was  found  entirely 
innocent.  This  he  concluded  to  be  the  best  expe- 
dieiit,  on  the  one  gidc  for  paying  some  regard  to  jus- 


THE     TlllBUNAt    OF   TILAIE.  '0'$ 

t'lce,  and  on  the  other  as  a  salvo  for  the  honour  of  the 
chief  Priests  and  elders  ;  who  now  might  clear  them- 
selves to  the  people,  by  saying,  that  Jesus  of  Naza- 
reth had  been  found  in  a  great  measure  guilty,  though 
Pilate,  out  of  his  clemency,  he.  was  pleased  to  S'pare 
his  life.     Besides,  he  imagined,  that  the  chief  Priests 
would  the  rather  be  contented  with  this  proceeding  : 
since  by  being  scourged,  which  was  an  ignominious 
punishment  inflicted  only  on  slaves,  Jesus  would  be 
rendered  contemptible  ;  so  that  he  would  lose  all  his 
credit  with  tl>e  people,  and  be  deserted  by  all  his  ad- 
herents.    Had  this  proposal  of  Piiate  been  accepted, 
it  would  haA'C  been  matter  of  great  triumph  to  the  in- 
fernal powers,  as  some  kind  of  blemish  would  have 
remained  on  the  oppressed  innocence  of  our  blessed 
Lord.     But  God  directed  this  circumstance  contrary 
to  the  intention  of  this  heathen  governor.     The  inno- 
cence of  the  blessed  Jesus  was  destined  to  shine  forth 
with  unsullied  lustre  on  this  day.     It  was  not  only 
made  known,  that  he  had  done  noticing  worthy  of 
death  ;  but  a  certain  person  \\  as  likewise  to  declare, 
that  he  h-ad  done  nothing  amiss  ;  nothing  that  deser- 
ved the  slightest  punishment.     Thus  God  brought 
this  affiiir  to  quite  another  issue,  than  what  Pilate  in 
his  worldly  policy  had  projected. 

Pilate's  second  proposal  was  as  follows.  He  put 
the  Lord  Jesus  on  the  same  footing-  with  a  notorious 
malefactor,  and  offered  the  people  the  privilege  of 
choosing  which  of  the  two  they  would  have  released. 
Hereby  i'ilate,  who  wavered  in  his  mind,  like  a  reed 
shaken  by  the  wind,  Avas  lor  trying  w  hether  he  could 
get  Jesus  released  without  any  chastisement.  Tlirs 
scheme  was  more  likely  to  succeed  than  the  former,  as 
it  put  it  in  the  power  of  the  people  to  release  Jesus; 
for  many  of  them  had  received  extraordinary  benefits 
from  him,  and  they  were  in  general  more  favourably 
disposed  towards  him  than  the  chief  Priests  and  elders; 
who,  as  Pilate  well  knew,  had  delivered  him  out  of 
-^nvy,  (iMatth.  xxvii,  28.)  This  subtle  politician  saw 


04  CHIlISl's   SUFFERINGS    BEFORE 

into  this  mystery  of  iniquity,  and  concluded  that 
nothing  was  to  be  done  with  the  chief  Priests ;  since 
it  was  too  much  their  interest  to  destroy  Jesus,  who 
had  struck  at  their  dignity  and  power  by  hisdoctrines. 
AVith  regard  to  this  incident,  we  may  observe, 

First,  \\'hat  induced  Pilato  to  make  this  proposal. 
It  was  occasioned  by  the  following  custom  :  '  Now 
at  the  feast  of  the  passover,  the  governor  was  wo?it  to 
release  unto  the  people  a  prisoner,  whom  they  would. 
Therefore,  of  necessity  he  must  release  one  unto  them 
at  the  feast.' 

It  is  somewhat  dubious,  whether  this  custom  was 
introduced  b}^  the  Jews  or  by  the  Romans.  From 
St.  John's  account,  (chap,  xviii.  39.)  who  says,  '  Ye 
liave  a  custom  that  I  should  release  one  unto  you  at 
the  passover.,'  some  conjecture,  that  it  was  a  custom 
of  Jewish  origin,  in  memory  of  their  deliverance  out 
of  Egypt,  of  which  the  feast  of  the  passover  was  a 
commemoration  ;  and  that  the  Romans,  after  subdu- 
ino:  Judea,  had  indula:ed  the  Jews  in  the  continuance 
of  this  usage  as  some  shadow  of  liberty.  Others 
are  of  opinion,  that  this  custom  was  introduced  by 
the  Romans,  as  a  favour  she'wn  to  the  Jews,  ^vho 
resorted  to  Jerusalem  from  all  parts  of  the  world  at 
the  feast  of  the  passover,  that  they  might  cele- 
brate the  feast  with  the  better  temper,  and  be  less 
liable  to  re\olt  against  the  Roman  government.  Be 
this  as  it  will,  it  was  a  custom  contrary  to  the  law  of 
nature,  which  does  not  allow  a  convicted  malefactor 
to  be  released  without  punisliment ;  and  likewise 
contrary  to  the  law  of  Moses,  which  absolutely  ex- 
cludes from  pardon  all  murderers,  or  shedders  of 
man's  blood.  However,  as  the  custom  had  once 
taken  place,  the  Jews  were  more  tenacious  of  it  than 
of  God's  ordinances  ;  and  therefore  Pilate,  to  prevent 
any  distiu'bance,  was  under  a  necessity  of  releasing 
a  prisoner  to  them,  whom  they  would,  This  ^\'as 
\vhat  ga\c  occasion  to  the  proposah 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    I'lLATE.  65 

jSecondly,  The  crimmal,  whom  Pilate  designed  to 
make  use  of  to  compass  his  end,  deserves  our  no- 
tice ;  he  is  thus  described  :  '  And  there  was  at  ihat 
time  one  named  Barabbas,  a  notorious  prisoner,  who 
lay  bound  with  them  that  had  made  insurrection  with 
him,  who  kid  committed  murder  in  the  insurrec- 
tion.'    This  man  is  described, 

1.  By  his  name.  He  was  called  Barabbas,  a 
name  at  that  time  common  among  the  Jews,  which 
signifies  a  *  son  of  the  father.' 

2.  He  is  described  by  his  crimes,  two  of  which 
are  here  specified,  namely,  sedition  and  murder.   This 
>vas  a  time  when  the  spirit  of  sedition  pre\'ailed  among 
the  Jews  ;  so  that  the  least  pretence  sufliccd  to  make 
them  take  up  arms  against  the  Roman  government, 
when  they  used  to  commit  all  manner  of  crimes  and 
outrages.     In  one  of  these  commotions,  Barabbas 
had  distinguished  himself  by  heading  a  gang  of  sedi- 
tious persons,  and  had  even  killed  a  man  in  the  tu- 
mult.    As  the  Roman  governor  had  sent  a  party  of 
soldiers  to  disperse  the  revolters,  he  had  probably 
killed  one  or  two  of  them  in  the  encounter,  so  that 
both  these  crimes  rendered  liim  utterly  unv.ordiy  of 
any  favour  or  intercession. 

3.  This  criminal  is  described  by  the  circumstances 
he  was  in.  Barabbas  was  in  prison,  and  \ery  pro- 
bably, when  the  feast  was  o\'er,  was  to  be  executed 
as  on  example  to  others,  who  were  of  the  same  turbu- 
lent spirit.  Pilate  had  also  at  that  time  other  priso- 
ners, (since  two  other  malefactors  were  crucified  with 
Jesus)  but  he  pitched  upon  this  notorious  criminal  to 
be  put  in  competition  with  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  flatter- 
ing himself  that  the  people  would  never  sue  for  the 
discharge  of  such  a  wretch  ;  for  a  man- slayer,  ac- 
cording to  their  law,  was  to  die  without  mere}'.  As 
to  the  chief  Priests  and  Elders,  Pilate  did  not  imagine 
that  they  would  so  far  debase  themselves,  and,  by 
interceding  for  a  rebel,  render  themselves  obnoxious 
to  the  court  of  Rorme,  by  seeming  to  favour  popular 

VOL.    II.  1 


'6<S    Christ's  sufferings  before: 

tumults.  But  Pilate  was  greatly  mistaken  in  his  ejt- 
pectations,  as  will  be  shewn  at  large  in  the  following 
Consideration.  From  what  has  been  here  said,  we 
shall  deduce  these  truths  : 

First,  Christ,  by  this  circumstance  of  his  passion, 
was  to  expiate  our  sins  of  several  kinds.     He  has, 

1.  Lxpiated  the  culpable  improbity  of  many  thou- 
sands, who  act  contrary  to  their  own  conviction,  and 
in  ihdir  behaviour,  do  violence  to  the  dictates  of  their 
o»vn  consciences.  For  instance,  every  one  is  convinced 
thcic  iymg  is  an  infamous  sin,  brought  into  the  world 
b}  Uie  devil,  who  is  the  father  of  lies ;  yet  for  the 
hopes  of  a  small  profit,  many  do  not  stick  at  adding 
lie  to  lie.  Many  thousands  are  convinced  that  drun- 
kenness excludes  men  from  the  kingdom  of  God, 
(Gal.  V.  21.)  yet,  on  every  slight  temptation,  are 
drawn  into  it.  Many  thousands  are  convinced  that 
evil  company  is  one  of  Satan's  most  dangerous 
snares ;  and  yet  they  easily  suffer  themselves  to  be 
entangled  in  it,  so  as  to  be  unable  to  extricate  them- 
selves. 

2.  He  has  expiated  the  sins  of  those  who  act 
against  their  conscience,  in  order  to  please  others. 

3.  He  has  expiated  the  sins  of  evil  customs,  as 
this  of  releasing  a  malefactor  on  account  of  the  feast. 
Such  customs,  like  an  impetuous  torrent,  draw  many 
from  their  integrity,  and  hurry  them  away  into  sin- 

4.  He  has  expiated  the  sins  of  those  who  do  not  be- 
liave  in  their  office  with  probity  and  unshaken  firm- 
ness; but  sometimes  from  fear,  sometimes  from  the 
hope  of  any  worldly  advantage,  turn  aside  from  the 
right  way.  Now,  as  all  these,  and  the  like  sins,  had 
a  share  in  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  it  behoves  us  to 
detest  and  abhor  them  ;  and  if  we  are  conscious  that 
%ve  are  guilty  of  all  or  any  of  them,  we  ought  sin- 
cerely to  repent  of  such  sins,  to  amend  our  lives,  and 
b)  a  lively  iaith,  to  make  Christ  our  refuge  to  screen 
us  from  the  rigour  of  the  divine  justice. 


THE    TRIBUNAL   OF    PILATE.  ^ 

'  Secondly,  Evil  customs,  especially  those  which 
iiave  a  specious  appearance,  in  time  acquire  such 
veneration,  that  no  man  dares  to  act  or  speak  agiiinst 
them.  It  is  said  here,  that  Pilate  must  of  necessity 
release  a  prisoner  at  the  feast.  As  this  custom  had 
been  once  established,  Pilate  might  have  reason  to 
apprehend  very  great  disturbances,  had  he  taken  upoa 
him  to  supersede  it,  and  introduce  an  innovation. 
This  is  generally  the  case  in  pr  vate  evil  habits. — 
When  a  man  is  accustomed  to  any  evil,  which  by 
long  practice  is  become  a  habit,  it  tyrannizes  over 
him  ;  so  that  he  becomes  a  miserable  slave  to  it,  and 
is  led  by  it  as  an  ox  to  the  slaughter.  Whoever  there- 
fore finds  himself  entangled  with  the  snares  of  satan ; 
whoever  is  conscious  that  he  suffers  sin  to  gain  do- 
minon  over  him,  let  him  tlirow  himself  at  the  feet  of 
his  Redeemer.  What  seems  impossible  to  corrupt 
nature  is  possible  with  God. 

Thirdly,  It  is  a  very  critical  and  dangerous  point 
to  commit  the  least  injustice. 

This  was  Pilate's  case.  He  thought  that  it  was 
more  safe  to  scourge  an  innocent  man,  than  to  cru- 
cify him  and  put  him  to  death.  But  by  his  example 
we  may  be  taught,  what  a  slippery  path  this  is  ;  since, 
afterwards,  for  want  of  the  firmness  becoming  his 
office,  he  was  carried  to  commit  a  greater,  which  he 
was  for  preventing  by  doing  a  smaller  act  of  injus- 
tice. For  at  length  *  he  released  Barabbas  unto 
them  ;  and  wlien  he  had  scourged  Jesus,  he  delivered 
him  to  be  crucified,'  (Mati.  xxvii.  26.)  To  think 
it  advisable  to  commit  a  small  sin,  in  order  to  pre- 
vent a  greater,  is  a  false  way  of  reasoning.  If  a  per- 
son finds  himself  unable  to  prevent  the  commission 
of  two  sins  at  once,  he  must  indeed  chiefly  exert  h:m- 
self  to  avoid  the  greater  sin  :  but  he  is  not  to  give  his 
consent  to,  or  by  any  means  to  promote,  the  smaller. 
If  we  are  by  faith  united  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  strength- 
ened by  his  spirit,  we  shall  choose  to  lay  dow  n  our 
Uvesp  rather  than  offend  our  Saviour  by  the  deliberate 


G8  Christ's  sufferings   before 

commission  of  any  presumptuous  sin.  The  Lord 
give  us  this  resolution,  and  so  establish  and  strengthen 
it  in  us,  that  the  gates  of  hell  may  never  be  able  to 
prevail  against  us. 

THE    PRAYER. 

AxD  now,    O  faithful  and  ever- living  Saviour, 
praised  be  thy  name  for  condescending  to  permit  that, 
through  the  tyranny  of   evil  customs,  thy  sacred  per- 
son should  be  rejected  by  the  \\hole  Jewish  nation, 
and  an  infamous  murderer  be  preferred  before  thee. 
May  we  \Aith  grateful  hearts  acknowledge  the  bene- 
fits derived  to  us  from  it ;  and  may  we  be  constrain- 
ed by  this  instance  of  thy  love,  willingly  to  renounce 
all  the  evil  customs  of  the  world,  and  all  those  sins 
M  hich  brought  thee  down  into  such  an  abyss  of  hu- 
miliation and  sufibrings.     Grant  this  for  the  sake  of 
those  meritorious  sufterhigs  which  thou  didst  endure 
for  us.     Amen. 


eONSIDERATION  X. 

THE  MURDERER  BARABEAS  PUT  IN  COMPETI- 
TION WITH  THE  LORD  JESUS. 

*  AND  when  they  were  gathered  together,  Pilate 
saith  unto  them,  Ye  have  a  custom,  that  I  should 
release  one  unto  you  at  the  passover.  Then  the  mul- 
titude, crying  aloud,  began  to  desire  him  to  do  as  he 
had  ever  done  unto  them.  But  Pilate  answered  them, 
saying,  "\Miom  will  ye  that  I  release  unto  you  ?  Ba- 
rabbas,  or  Jesus  who  is  called  Christ  ?  Will  ye  that 
I  release  unto  you  the  King  of  the  Jews  ?  For  he 
knew  that  the  chief  Priest  had  delivered  him  for  en\} . 
A)id  when  he  was  set  down  on  the  judgment-seat, 
his  wife  sent  unto  him,  saying.  Have  thou  nothing 
to  do  with  that  just  man ;  for  I  have  suffered  mcmy 
things  this  day  in  a  dream,  because  of  him.     But  tlie 


THE   TRIBUNAL  OF  PILATE.  69 

chief  Priests  and  Elders  persuaded  and  moved  the 
multitude,  that  they  should  ask  Barabbas,  and  de- 
stroy Jesus.  They  then  cried  out  all  at  once,  saying-. 
Away  \^'ith  this  man,  and  release  unto  us  Barabbas  I 
Now  Barabbas  was  a  robber.'  (Matt,  xxvii.  17 — 
21.  Mark  xv.  8.— 11.  Luke  xxiii.  18,  19.  John 
xviii.  39,  40.) 

In  the  last  Consideration  wc  have  observed,  liow 
Pilate  had  recourse  to  various  by-ways,  and  unjust 
expedients,  for  promoting  the  releasement  of  the  in- 
nocent Jesus  ;  hoiv  he  proposed  scourging  him  ;  how 
he  put  it  to  the  people's  choice,  whether  they  would 
have  Jesus  released,  or  Barabbas  a  notorious  rebel 
and  murderer,  being  in  hopes  that  the  multitude 
would  prefer  our  blessed  Saviour  to  such  an  odious 
criminal.  But  this  affair  turned  out  contrary  to  Pi- 
late's expectations,  as  appears  from  that  part  of  the 
history  of  our  Saviour's  passion  uhich  is  cited  above  ; 
where  we  are  informed  that  the  murderer  Barabbas 
was  publicly  set  in  competition  with  the  blessed  Je- 
sus.    In  this  account  we  shall  consider, 

First,  What  preceded  this  incident. 

Secondly,  Pilate's  management  of  the  affiiir. 

Thirdly,  The  intimation  God  gave  Pilate  on  this 
occasion. 

Fourthly,  The  effect  of  this  proposal  made  by  Pi- 
late to  the  people. 

I.  As  to  what  preceded  this  incident  we  shall  ol> 
serve, 

1.  What  happened  on  Pilate's  side. 

2.  What  happened  with  regard  to  the  people. 

1.  On  Pilate's  side  it  was  preceded  by  a  proposal. 
For  the  Jews  being  gathered  together,  Pilate  said 
imto  them,  *  Ye  have  a  custom  that  I  should  release 
one  unto  you  at  the  Passover.'  The  people,  who 
were  come  to  Jerusalem  from  all  parts  on  the  account 
of  the  Passover,  had,  some  out  of  hatred  against 
Christ,  and  some  out  of  curiosity  to  see  the  issue  of 
the  affair,  assembled  in  great  numbers  \n  the  court 


70  Christ's  sufferings  before 

before  Pilate's  hall  of  judgment.  Pilate  laid  hold 
of  this  opportunity,  and  put  the  Jews  in  mind  of  the 
custom  which,  according  to  St.  John's  account,  had 
hitherto  been  observed :  You  have,  says  he,  a  cus- 
tom that  I  should  release  one  to  you  at  the  Passover. 
As  to  the  nature  of  this  custom  and  its  origin,  I  have 
just  touched  upon  it  in  the  preceding  Consideration. 
Pilate  was  no  stranger  to  the  zealous  adherence  of 
the  Je^vs  to  the  ordinances  and  customs  transmitted 
down  to  them  from  their  ancestors,  and  well  knew 
that  they  would  rather  suffer  death,  than  be  deprived 
of  their  ancient  privileges.  Therefore,  he  thought  of 
throwing  a  bait  among  the  people,  who  looked  upon, 
this  custom  as  an  essential  part  of  their  liberty,  and 
by  that  means  gaining  their  hearts  ;  so  that  they  might 
make  use  of  that  favourable  opportunity,  and  release 
Jesus. 

2.  Hereupon  followed  what  St.  Mark  relates  of  the 
people,  in  these  words,  according  to  some  copies ; 
'  And  the  multitude  went  up,'  i.  e.  they  drew  nearer 
to  Pilate's  house,  in  order  to  have  a  distinct  view  of 
the  two  persons  exhibited  together.     In  other  copies 
of  the  Greek  text  the  words  are,  '  The  multitude 
cried  aloud,  and  began  to  desire  him  to  do  as  he  had 
ever  done  unto  them.'     The  minds  of  the  people 
seem  to  ha^'e  been  so  taken  up  with  the  proceedings 
against  Jesus  of  Naziu'eth,  that  they  never  thought  of 
this  their  customary  privilege  ;  nor  had  they  claimed 
it  of  the  Roman  governor.     But  when  they  were  put 
in  mind  of  it  by  Pilate  himself,  their  desire  that  this 
ancient  custom  should  be  observed,  revived  and  grew 
to  such  a  head,  that  it  broke  out  into  tumultuous 
outcries,  demanding  that  Pilate  would  immediately 
proceed  to  business  ;  so  that  their  customs  and  pri- 
vileges might  not  suffer  any  prejudice.     From  these 
circumstances  we  shall  deduce  the  following  doc- 
trines : 

1.     Our  deliverance  from    the    tyranny  of  evi! 
customs  cost  our  blessed  Lord  very  dear. 


ITHE    TRIBUNAL  OF  PlLAtE.  7l 

St.  Peter  observes,  that  Christ  hath  redeemed  us 
from  our  vain  converstion,  received  by  tradition, 
fj.  e.  directed  and  governed  by  ancient  maxims  and 
customs]  not  with  silver  and  gold,  but  with  his  pre- 
cious blood,  ( 1  Peter  i.  18.)  Therefore  he  now  stood 
before  Pilate,  because  he  was  to  feel  the  tyrannical 
power  of  ancient  customs,  and  how  the  god  of  this 
world  holds  weak  men  so  fastly  bound  with  these 
fetters.  Now  in  order  to  deprive  these  evil  worldly 
maxims  and  customs  of  their  power  and  dominion, 
and  to  procure  for  us  absolute  deliverance  from  them, 
the  innocent  and  spotless  Lamb  of  God  suffered  tlie 
tjTannical  violence  of  such  customs  to  nige  against 
his  person  ;  and  at  last  permitted  that,  through  the 
observance  of  such  an  ancient  privilege,  he  should 
be  rejected  and  sentenced  to  death.  Since  therefore, 
the  Son  of  God,  for  our  deliverance  from  worldly 
customs,  thus  shed  his  precious  blood,  far  be  it  from 
lis,  by  our  levity  and  irresolution,  to  forfeit  again 
that  privilege  which  he  so  dearly  purchased,  by  giv- 
ing ourselves  up  as  slaves  to  sinful  customs  and  ill 
habits.  Some  sins,  indeed,  by  long  custom  are 
grown  into  a  fashion,  to  which  kw  are  so  scrupulous 
as  not  to  conform  ;  yet  far  be  it  from  us,  that  we 
should  suffer  ourselves  to  be  carried  away  by  that 
overflowing  stream.  And  though  our  singularity 
should  expose  us  to  the  laughter  of  the  world,  let  us 
not  hesitate  to  suffer  ourselves  to  be  ridiculed  with 
the  Son  of  God,  rather  than  tread  under  foot  tliat 
precious  ransom,  by  which  he  has  redeemed  us  from 
the  customs  of  our  fathers. 

2.  Men  usually  shew  most  zeal  for,  and  attach- 
ment to  those  things  wliich  concern  their  carnal 
liberty. 

This  custom  of  the  Jews  had  some  shadow  of  lib- 
erty ;  and  the  people  were  extremely  fond  of  a  privi- 
lege, by  which  they  had  a  right  annually  to  claim  the 
releasment  of  a  malefactor  at  the  passover.  There- 
tore,  on  the  first  intimation  frem  Pilate,  that  they 


72  cuhist's  suffeiuvgs  before 

might  now  make  use  of  this  privilege,  their  desire  of 
it  declared  itself  with  great  vehemence,  and  broke  out 
into  tumultuous  clamours.  This  is  always  the  case 
when  men  take  it  into  their  heads,  that  the  unwarrant- 
able liberty,  or  rather  licentiousness,  which  they 
have  assumed  9ontrary  to  the  Word  of  God,  is  likely 
to  be  restrained  by  wholesome  laws.  Nothnig  caa 
equal  their  A'iolence  to  oppose  all  such  necessary  re- 
strictions. Oh,  that  men  would  shew  such  a  zealous 
attachment  for  true  liberty  !  such  an  inflamed  desire 
of  being  released  from  the  bonds  of  satan  !  Oh,  that 
this  desire  ^yould  prompt  them  toprostrate  themselves 
before  God,  to  lift  up  their  voice,  and  with  tears  im- 
plore him,  that  he  would  deliver  them  from  the 
thraldom  of  their  sins  and  pernicious  lusts,  and 
*  make  them  free  by  the  Son,  that  they  may  be  free 
indeed,  (Johnviii.  36.) 

II.  We  come,  in  the  next  place,  to  consider  how 
Pilate  conducted  this  affair.  The  people  having 
claimed  the  oljservance  of  this  old  custom,  he  imme- 
diately sent  for  Barabbas  from  the  prison,  where  he 
had  hitherto  been  kept,  and  ordered  him  to  be  ex- 
hibited to  public  view,  placing  him  near  Jesus.  Then 
Pilate  put  this  question  to  the  people,  '  W'liom  will 
ye  that  I  release  unto  you  ?  Barabbas,  or  Jesus  who 
is  called  Christ  ?  Will  ye  that  I  release  unto  you  the 
king  of  the  Jews?'  Never  were  two  persons  of  char- 
^acters  so  difiercnt  placed  on  the  same  footing  ;  one 
being  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  A\'ho  ^vas  a  pattern  of 
the  most  perfect  innocence  and  holiness,  and  the 
other  a  notorious  robber,  murderer,  and  rebel. 

At  first  sight,  this  scheme  of  Pilate  seems  very 
well  concerted.     For, 

First,  He  confines  the  choice  to  two  persons,  name- 
ly, Jesus  whom  he  knew  to  be  innocent,  and  who,  by 
healing  the  sick,  raising  the  dead,  &.c.  had  endeared 
Jiimself  to  the  people  ;  and  an  infamous  malefactor 
who  had  committed  murder,  shed  innocent  blood, 
iaid  had  been  taken  in  the  very  act  of  rebelliont 


THE    TRIBUNAL     OF    riLATE.  /^ 

Secondly,  By  this  contrivance  he  got  the  whole 
afTairout  of  the  hands  of  the  chief  Priests,  who  had 
delivered  Jesus  for  envy,  into  those  of  the  people, 
among  whom  he  knew  that  our  blessed  Lord  had 
not  a  few  disciples  and  adherents. 

Thirdly,  In  his  address  t(j  the  people  he  ^ave  our 
Saviour  such  names  or  titles,  as  might  most  effeciaallr 
recommend  him  to  their  favour.  His  words  are, 
*  Jesus,  of  whom  it  is  said  he  is,  or  who  is  called, 
Christ,'  i.  e.  the  Messiah  whom  ye  have  solong  ex- 
pected. He  likewise  entitles  him  *  the  King  of  the 
Jews.'  By  this,  he  puts  them  in  mind  how  the  Jewish 
people,  but  a  few  days  before,  when  Jesiisentered  Je- 
rusalem, by  their  shouts  and  acclamations  had,  ps  it 
were  proclaimed  him  kingof  Israel;  so  that  they  ongha 
to  consider,  what  a  disgrace  it  would  be  to  the  Jews 
to  suffer  their  King  to  be  thus  undeservedly  crucified. 

Fourthly,  By  putting  a  rebel  in  competition  with 
Christ;  Pilate  was  in  hopes  that  the  chief  Priests,  oui: 
of  caution  and  prudence,  would  not  interfere  in  the 
matter.  For  they  themselves  had  accused  Jesus  of 
rebellion  ;  and  strongly  insisted  on  his  being  put  to 
death,  because  he  perverted  the  people,  and  disuaded 
them  from  paying  the  tribute  due  to  die  emperor. 
Now  as  they  had  not  been  able  to  produce  one  legal 
proof  of  any  seditious  action  against  Jesus  ;  whereas, 
Barabbas,  on  the  contrary,  had  been  taken  in  the  \Q\y 
fact,  heading  a  party  of  men  in  a  tumult ;  Pilate 
thought  the  chief  Priests  and  Elders  would  never  de- 
clare for  a  rebel,  nor  advise  the  people  to  procure  hLs 
release ;  since  it  would  render  them  suspected  by 
the  Romans  of  favouring  sedition,  which  was  a  capi- 
tal crime,  and  seldom  or  never  pardoned  by  the  go- 
vernor. Thus  he  thought  he  had  disposed  every- 
thing in  the  best  manner  by  his  poll  deal  sagacity, 
and,  in  his  heart,  congratulated  himself  on  the  suc- 
cess of  his  contrivance. 

But  in  all  these  human  schemes  there  utis  a  grea^" 
mixture  of  injustrcp.     For, 

vol.    IT,  K 


14*  Christ's  sufferings  before' 

1.  Pilate  exposes  to  the  chance  of  being  crucified 
a  person  of  whose  innocence  he  was  convinced  ;  and 
deli^  ers  Jesus  up,  and  with  him  justice  itself,  to  the 
caprice  of  the  populace.  Thus  he  departed  from 
the  plain  direct  path  of  justice,  as  laid  down  by  the 
laws,  and  turned  aside  into  a  very  slippery  way,  which 
was  full  of  stumbling  blocks.  *  He  knew  that  the 
High  Priests  had  delivered  him  for  envy.'  Should 
not  this  have  induced  him  to  consider  the  great  in- 
fluence, which  the  rank  and  authority  of  the  chief 
IViests  and  Elders  gave  them  over  the  people  ? 
Ought  he  not,  as  a  wise  statesman,  to  have  reflected 
on  the  lengths,  which  envy  is  known  to  run  on  its 
restlcissness  and  rancour,  and  what  infamous  actions 
it  causes  men  to  perpetrate  ? 

2.  Pilate  by  this  action  obscures  the  innocence  of 
Christ,  after  having  borne  a  public  testimony  of  it, 
in  the  displaying  of  which  Divine  Providence,  at  this 
time  more  especially,  was  concerned.  For  had  this 
artifice  of  Pilate  succeeded,  and  the  people  demanded 
that  Jesus  might  be  released,  it  might  liave  been  said 
by  the  chief  Priests,  &:c.  that  popular  clamours  had 
prevailed,  and  that  it  was  not  because  of  his  inno- 
cence that  Jesus  had  been  released,  but  because  he 
was  favoured  by  the  people  ;  who  had  before  opposed 
his  being  caiTied  to  prison,  and  consequently  ob- 
structed the  course  of  justice.  Thus  Pilate,  in  this 
affair,  seems  to  have  been  an  engine  of  satan,  who, 
aboAC  all  things,  wanted  to  fix  a  blemish  on  the  in- 
nocence of  his  conqueror. 

3.  By  this  unjust  expedient,  he  precludes  himself 
from  all  opportunity  of  urging  any  thing  further  in 
behalf  of  our  Saviour's  innocence,  with  proper  vigour 
and  efficacy.  For  after  the  Jews  had  once  desired 
Barabbas  to  be  released  to  them,  Jesus  stood  actually 
condemned,  and  rejected  by  the  majority  of  the 
people. 

4.  He  acted  contrary  to  the  true  interest  of  the 
commonwealth ;  for  by  the  hopes  of  escaping  pu- 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  75 

nishment  he,  as  it  were,  encouraged  persons  of  tur- 
bulent and  seditious  spirits,  witli  which  Judea  then 
swarmed,  to  the  commission  of  all  kind  of  violence 
and  outrages.  This  was  manifestly  running  counter 
to  the  duty  of  his  office  ;  he  being  appointed  by  the 
Roman  emperor  to  keep  a  watchful  eje  and  a  strict 
hand  over  all  tumultuous  proceedings.  Hence  we 
learn :  ^. 

First,  That  he  who  consults  other  men  in  dubious 
cases,  without  any  regard  to  God's  \Vill,  which  is  the 
supreme  rule  for  our  behaviour  and  conduct,  will  be 
overcome  by  the  first  temptation  that  assaults  him. 

Pilate  asks  the  people,  '  Will  ye  that  I  release  unto 
you  Barabbas,  or  Jesus?'  whereas  he  ought  to  have 
acted  according  to  the  Roman  law,  or  the  dictates  of 
his  own  conscience,  for  both  of  them  informed  him 
that  the  innocent  ought  to  be  released.  There  are 
still  too  many  nominal  Christians,  who  are  such  slaves 
to  men  ;  many  who,  from  a  servile  desire  of  pleasing 
others,  stick  at  no  kind  of  injustice  in  private  life; 
many  judges  who  accommodate  themselves  more  to 
the  corrupt  taste  of  others  than  to  the  unalterable  rule 
of  rectitude.  That  these  sins  might  be  forgiven  to 
those  who  are  heartily  sorry  for  them,  the  Supreme 
Judge  and  Prophet  has  suffered,  and  been  sentenced 
to  death,  through  his  judge's  pliableness  to  the  will  of 
others. 

Secondly,  Christ  by  these  circumstances  of  his 
passion  has  expiated  many  sins  committed  by  men, 
on  condition  of  faith  and  repentance. 

1.  He  has  expiated  our  arrogant  desires,  when, 
seduced  by  self-love,  we  are  for  appearing  better, 
more  wise,  more  learned,  or  more  pious,  than  we  in 
reality  are.  We  are  fond  of  comparing  ourselves 
with  those  that  are  worse  than  we  are.  In  order  there- 
fore to  atone  for  this  haughty  desire  of  our  heart, 
Christ  suffered  himself  to  be  shewn  in  public  and 
ranked  with  the  most  abandoned  malefactor. 

2.  Our  blessed  Saviour  has  expiated  our  desire  of 


/o  Christ's  suffeeings  before 

reconciling  light  and  darkness,  Christ  and  Belial,  God 
and  the  world,  holiness  and  sin.  The  contrariety 
between  these  is  no  less  than  that  of  Christ  and  Ba- 
rabbas. 

3.  He  has  expiated  all  indirect  ways  of  wresting 
justice,  all  contrivances  of  carnal  wisdom  and  worldly 
policy,  which  generally  give  an  ill  appearance  to  a 
good  cause.  J 

4.  He  has  expiated  that  depravity  which,  from  a 
desire  of  ingratiating  oneself  with  men,  and  gaining 
their  favour,  gives  up  the  cause  of  Christ  and  his 
members  to  the  option  of  a  licentious  populace,  from 
Vvhom  no  justice  is  to  be  expected. 

5.  He  has  expiated  that  depravity  by  which  men 
so  frequently  act  contrary  to  conviction,  and  rather 
conform  to  the  opinions  of  other  people,  than  the  dic- 
tates of  their  own  conscience.  As  these  sins  con- 
tributed to  aggravate  the  sufferings  of  the  innocent 
Jesus,  it  should  inspire  us  with  an  utter  detestation^ 
and  sincere  repentance,  of  them. 

HI.  We  are  further  to  observe  the  intimation 
wiiich  God  gave  Pilate  on  this  occasion.  The  ac- 
count of  this  remarkable  incident  is  mentioned  only 
by  St.  Mattheiv,  who  relates  it  thus :  '  When  he  was 
set  down  on  the  judgment- seat,  his  wife  sent  unto 
him,  saying,  Have  thou  nothing  to  do  with  that  just 
man  ;  for  I  have  sufiercd  many  things  this  day  in  a 
dream,  because  of  him.'  Thus  God  gave  Pilate  an 
admonition,  and  made  his  own  wife  the  instrument  to 
€onvcy  it,  who  in  this  affair  was  free  from  all  preju- 
dice or  partiality  ;  for  she  was  not  of  the  Jewish  re- 
ligion, nor  did  she  know  whether  Jesus  was  guilty  or 
innocent.  But,  as  her  husband  had  been  disturbed 
ill  liis  rest  by  the  early  application  of  the  High  Priest 
and  Elders,  she  continued  in  bed  for  some  time  af- 
ter ;  and  falling  asleep  again,  she  had  a  very  uneasy 
dream,  in  which  she  probably  saw,  as  in  a  vision,  the 
u  hole  trial  of  Jesus  before  her  husband  ;  how  a  man 
^Krfectly  iiinoeent  was  brought  before  PUate,  and  he 


THE   TRIBUNAL   OF   PILATE.  "^7 

solicited  to  give  orders  for  the  execution  of  the  sen- 
tence of  death  passed  on  him ;  and  possibly  bhc  had 
some  presage  of  the  misfortunes  that  should  fall  on 
him  and  his  whole  family,  should  he  so  far  give  way 
to  the  clamours  of  the  people  as  to  commit  such  au 
act  of  inj  ustice.  In  this  dream  she  had  suffered  much, 
and  was  extremely  disordered  by  the  impression  it 
had  made  on  her  mind.  When  she  awaked  out  of 
her  sleep,  she  heard  an  uncommon  noise,  and  wlicn 
she  saw  through  the  window  what  a  crowd  was  ga- 
thered before  the  house,  she  was  seized  with  a  dread- 
ful apprehension  that  her  dream  would  prove  too 
true.  Upon  this,  she  instantly  dispatched  a  person 
to  her  husband,  who  was  sitting  on  the  judgment- 
seat,  to  conjure  him  not  to  have  any  hand  in  the  trial ; 
adding,  that ^ the  prisoner  was  an  innocent  just  man, 
and  that  if  he  should  be  prevailed  on  to  consent  to  his 
execution,  he  would  be  guilty  of  a  most  heinous 
crime. 

This  dream  has  been  viewed  in  various  lights  by 
the  learned.  Some  look  on  it  as  a  \vork  of  satan, 
who  imposed  on  Pilate's  wife,,  in  order  to  prevent 
our  Saviour's  death,  and  consequently  the  redemp- 
tion of  mankind.  If  this  had  been  the  case,  satan 
would  have  acted  inconsistently  with  himself,  by  en- 
deavouring, at  one  and  the  same  time,  to  hinder  the 
condemnation  of  Christ,  and  to  instigate  the  chief 
Priests,  the  elders,  and  all  the  people,  uith  tumAiltu- 
ous  clamours  to  insist  on  the  execution  of  the  sen- 
tence. From  all  the  circumstances  of  this  transac- 
tion, it  may  ■  reasonably  be  concluded  that  the  evil 
spirit  was  perplexed  within  himself,  to  find  out 
what  Jesus  of  Nazareth  could  be;  and  that  he  was 
not  quite  certain  that  he  was  the  seed  of  the  woman 
which  was  to  bruise  his  head,  thinking  Christ's  ap- 
pearance nuich  too  mean  and  despicable  for  any  such 
attempt.  It  is  therefore  probable,  that  satan  had  no 
concern  in  this  dream  ;  but  that  it  was  rather  a  \'ision 
sent  from  God  or  some  good  spirit,  in  order  to  ad- 


78  Christ's  surrEiiiNGs  before 

monish  Pilate,  who  was  now  on  the  point  of  commit- 
ting  the  most  flagitious  act  of  injustice,  and  at  the 
same  time  to  cast  a  lustre  on  our  blessed  Saviour's 
innocence ;  for  it  Avas  then  extremely  wronged  and 
obscured,  by  Pilate's  injurious  expedient  of  placing 
him  in  competition  with  a  murderer,  but  was  set  in 
a  very  glorious  light  by  divine  providence,  by  means 
of  this  vision.  Hence  we  may  deduce  the  following 
truths  : 

1.  Dreams  of  admonition  are  neither  to  be  totally 
rejected,  nor  absolutely  credited,  so  as  to  occasion 
any  terror  or  mistrustful  fears  in  the  mind. 

There  are  properly  three  kinds  of  dreams.  Some 
may  be  called  natural,  \\  hich  arise  from  the  images 
that  have  occupied  the  mind  in  the  course  of  the  day, 
and  consequently  are  the  eflPect  of  a  wakeful  and  busy 
imagination.  There  are  likewise  dreams  infused  by 
satan,  inciting,  even  in  sleep,  evil  desires,  by  the 
representation  of  sinful  objects.  Lastly,  there  are 
divine  dreams,  when  God,  by  the  means  of  a  good 
spirit,  makes  something  known  to  a  man  in  his  sleep, 
as  a  pre- admonition,  either  of  some  misfortune,  or 
of  something  that  may  tend  to  the  good  of  himself 
or  others.  But,  since  it  is  not  always  very  easy  to 
distinguish  between  these  different  kinds  of  dreams, 
particularly  the  natural  and  divine,  it  behoves  us  not 
to  be  too  hasty  and  credulous,  so  as  to  be  driven  to 
and  fro  by  every  airy  representation  of  fancy ;  nor 
absolutely  to  reject  such  admonitions,  since  they 
may  be  the  vehicle  of  some  secret  intimation  from 
divine  providence.  'I'his  consideration,  at  least, 
should  make  us  careful  and  circumspect,  and  in  or- 
der to  find,  and  walk  in,  this  middle  way,  proper  as- 
sistance and  wisdom  must  be  implored  from  above 
in  all  dubious  cases. 

2.  The  admonitions  which  God  permits  to  hap- 
pen to  a  man,  in  order  to  restrain  him  from  the  per- 
petration of  sin,  will  be  imputed  to  him,  if  disregard- 
ed, to  his  greater  condemnation.      This  intimation 


THE    TllIBUNAL    OF   PILATE.  '79 

of  divine  providence,  widi  which  Pilate  was  made 
acquainted  on  his  judgment- seat,  is  not  only  related. 
by  the  evangelist,  but  is  likewise  bet  down  in  God's 
book  of  remembrance,  and  when  the  sins  of  Pilate 
shall  be  laid  open  with  all  their  aggravating  circum- 
stances at  the  great  day  of  account,  it  will  enliance 
his  guilt.  Let  every  one  therefore  reverently  admire 
the  providence  of  God,  regard  its  kind  admonitions^ 
and  \vith  filial  obedience  be  thereby  restrained  from 
sin. 

IV.  Lastly,  We  are  to  consider  the  effect  which 
this  proposal  niade  by  Pilate  had  both  on  the  chief 
Priests  and  on  the  people. 

First,  As  for  the  chief  Priests  and  elders,  they 
urged  the  people  to  require,  that  Barabbas  should  be 
released,  and  that  Jesus  might  be  put  to  deaths 
Probably,  the  messenger  sent  by  Pilate's  wife  had 
desired  him  to  withdraw  from  the  judgment- hall,  and 
upon  this  Pilate  went  to  see  what  his  wife  had  farther 
to  say.  The  chief  Priests  and  elders  made  use  of 
this  interval  to  mingle  with  the  people,  and  by  all 
kinds  of  persuasions  to  gain  their  suffrages.  "Or, 
perhaps,  the  message  from  Pilate's  wife  was  deliver- 
ed to  him  in  an  audible  voice,  as  he  sat  on  the  seat 
of  judgment ;  so  that  he  was  very  much  affected 
with  it,  and  the  people  desired,  at  the  same  time,  a 
few  minutes  to  consult  about  the  choice.  This  op- 
portunity the  doctors  and  rulers  of  the  people  laid 
hold  of,  to  infuse  into  the  minds  of  the  ignorant  mul- 
titude a  determined  rage  against  the  person  of  JesuSj 
and,  like  abandoned  incendiaries,  to  kindle  in  them, 
"the  flames  of  envy  and  hatred.  Upon  this  occasion, 
they  may  be  supposed  to  have  left  no  stone  unturned 
to  compass  their  inhuman  drift:  They  threatened  to 
eut  off  from  the  synagogue  all  who  should  vote  for 
Jesus  and  promised  their  flivour  to  those  wiio  should 
declare  for  Barrabbas.  As  for  those  who  had  a  ten- 
der conscience,  and  scrupled  to  vote  for  the  release  of 
a  murderer  ;  thcv  made  them  easv  bv  assu.rina:  them, 


BO  Christ's  suffehixgs  before 

that  they  would  be  answerable  for  it,  and  that  thus 
they  might  safely  vote  in  favour  of  this  murderer.^ 
They  added,  that  if  Barabbas  had  committed  a  false 
step,  it  was  through  a  zeal  for  God's  honour,  and 
that  he  was  a  stickler  for  the  pure  doctrine  of  the 
Jewish  church;  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  on  the  con- 
trar} ,  was  a  known  heretic,  who  seduced  others  by 
the  speciousness  of  his  false  doctrines,  and  had  mur- 
dered more  souls  than  Barabbas  had  bodies ;  that  it 
was  not  fit  such  a  wretch  should  be  tolerated  any  lon- 
ger among  God's  people  ;  and  that  a  more  accepta- 
ble service  could  not  be  done  to  the  God  of  Israel, 
than  to  johi  in  delivering  him  up  to  the  most  shame- 
ful death,  inorder  to  be  cut  off  from  the  Jewish  church 
as  an  accursed  member.  For  such  remonstrances  to 
irritate  the  minds  of  the  people,  the  chief  Priests 
were  not  at  a  loss. 

Secondly,  Oa  the  common  people,  who  were  other- 
wise better  affected  to  Christ  than  the  chief  Priests 
and  scribes,  these  misrepresentations  produced  this 
dreadful  effect,  that  the  whole  multitude  cried  aloud, 
*  Away  with  this  man,  and  release  unto  us  Bai'abbas,' 
(Luke  xxiii.  IS.)  Thus  satan,  by  a  wonderful  arti- 
fice, in  a  few  moments  made  such  a  vast  multitude 
unanimously  cry  out,  '  iVway  with  him!'  O  what  a 
dismal  spectacle  was  this,  that  the  prince  of  life 
should  be  rejected,  and  a  murderer  released !  How 
wonderful  was  the  wise  appointment  of  God,  that  the 
Son  of  his  love  should  be  the  object  of  universal  ha- 
tred, that  he  might  regain  for  us  the  love  of  God, 
which  we  had  unhappily  forfeited !  We  shall  con- 
clude this  consideration  with  the  following  observa- 
tions : 

1.  During  the  persecutions  of  Christ  and  his 
members,  the  thoughts  and  inclinations  of  many 
hearts  are  laid  open. 

By  this  public  competition  between  Christ  and 
B.ir.ibbas,  were  discovered  the  latent  con'uptions  of 
the  human  heart.     Pilate,  the  chief  Priests,  and  the 


tflTE   TRIBU^rAL  OF  PILATE.  81 

•people,  betrayed  the  abominable  corruptions  wliich 
lay  at  the  bottom  of  their  hearts.  Here  it  w  as  evi- 
dently seen  vvho  were  the  greatest  movers  of  sedition. 
The  chiefPriests  had  before  accused  Jesus,  alleging- 
that  he  stirred  up  the  people ;  but  here  it  is  said,  the 
chief  Priests  moved  the  people.  Their  misrepresen- 
tations were  the  boisterous  winds  that  stirred  the 
troubled  sea  of  popular  rage.  This  is  still  tlie  way  of 
those  who  seduce  the  people.  They  always  cry  oufe 
against  any  appearance  of  sedition,  when  they  have 
no  interest  in  it  themselves  :  But  they  arc  the  first  to 
raise  disturbances,  when  they  can  compass  any  sinis- 
ter end,  or  oppress  godliness  and  innocence,  by  pop- 
ular tumults.  By  the  instance  before  us,  we  ma)- 
likewise  see  what  an  unsteady  reed  the  people  is,  and 
how  easily  shaken  ;  how  little  their  acclamations- 
and  applauses  ai'e  to  be  relied  on;  how  uncertain 
their  approbation,  how  precarious  their  favour,  how- 
variable  their  inclinations,  how  short-lived  their  gra-* 
titude.  Here  we  may  learn  to  know  what  the  world 
in  general  is,  since  it  could  prefer  a  flagitious  mur- 
derer to  the  prince  of  life. 

2.  As  good  Ministers  make  it  their  business  to 
lead  men  to  Christ,  so  unfaithful  teachers  seduce 
men  from  him. 

Of  this  the  doctors  of  the  Jewish  nation  gave  a 
manifest  proof,  by  poisoning  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple with  many  prejudices,  with  hatre-J  and  rancour 
against  the  innocent  Jesus ;  so  that  at  length  they  in- 
duced them  publicly  to  reject  the  Lord  of  Glory,  and 
to  demand  the  release  of  a  murderer  in  preference  io 
him.  It  must  have  touched  these  unfaithful  shep- 
herds  to  die  quick,  that  Jesus  should  call  them  thieves, 
robbers,  and  murderers,  (John  x.  8 — 10.)  But  here 
thicy  made  good  the  words  of  our  blessed  Lord,  c.nd 
betrayed  the  inveterate  malice  and  wickedness,  which 
they  secretly  harboured  in  their  breasts.  For,  by 
the  great  pains  they  took  in  gaining  over  the  multi- 
tude to  favour  Barahhn'^,  did  not  they  shew  them- 

VOL-.  fr.  'f> 


S2  ClfRIST's   SUFIERINGS  BEFaRE 

selves  patrons  and  companions  of  robbers  and  mur-- 
derers  ?  This  is  too  often  the  case  in  our  days.  Ma- 
ny false  teachers  have  a  greater  regard  to  their  own 
temporal  advantage,  than  for  the  honour  of  Christ, 
and  his  gospel.  It  therefore  behoves  every  one  who 
is  destined  for  the  ministry  incessantly  to  pray  to 
God,  that  he  would  plant  in  his  heart  such  a  tender 
regard  for  Christ,  such  a  holy  zeal  for  his  honour 
and  glor}^,  that  he  maybe  ready,  widijoy,  to  sacrifice 
his  ow]i  honour  and  interest,  if  he  can  by  that  means 
bring  souls  to  Christ.  The  saying  of  John  the  Bap- 
tist should  be  the  motto  of  such  a  conscientious  min- 
ister of  the  gospel,  '  He  must  increase,  but  I  must 
decrease,'  (John  iii.  30.) 

3.  It  is  a  heinous  sin  for  a  man  of  great  authority, 
and  influence  over  the  people,  to  impose  upon  their 
ignorance,  and  to  make  them  the  instruments  for 
executing  a  wicked  design. 

•  Jn  tiie  instance  before  us,  the  chief  Priests  incur- 
red the  guilt  of  this  heinous,  sin.  And  the  anti- 
christian  persecutors  of  the  church  of  Rome  tread  in 
their  footsteps,  and  like  them  keep  the  people  in  the 
grossest  ignorance,  that  they  may  turn  and  wind  them, 
any  way  as  their  interest  may  require.  How  unhap- 
py is  the  people  of  whom  it  may  be  said,  '  They 
who  lead  thee  cause  thee  to  err  !'  (Isaiah  iii.  12.) 
Bu:  woe  to  those  designing  hypocrites,  who  take  ad- 
vantage of  the  ignorance  and  simplicity  of  the  people, 
to  cause  them  to  err !  *  Cursed  is  iie  that  maketh  the 
blind  to  go  out  of  the  way :  And  ail  the  people  shall 
say.  Amen,'  (Deut.  xxii.  18.) 

4.  Jesus  Christ  is  still  daily  rejected  among 
Christians. 

Thoue-h  our  cars  no  lonc:er  hear  those  dreadful 
words,  away  with  Jesus,  yet  many  thousands  prefer 
Barabbas  to  him  ;  for  as  often  as  wc  prefer  our  sin- 
ful lusts  to  the  commands  of  our  Savioiir,  and  fulfil 
the  former,  while  we  postpone  the  latter,  we  hold 
with  Barabbas^  and  reject  the  blessed  Jesus»     Th« 


,       SHE     TRIBUNAL    OF   PILATE,  fi3 

jcryofall  the  proud  and  ambitious  is,  Away  with 
this  Jesus,  who  would  have  us  sacrifice  our  honour 
to  his  !  The  cry  of  the  voluptuous  is,  Away  with 
Jesus,  who  would  have  us  renounce  the  pleasures  of 
this  world,  take  up  our  cross,  and  mortify  the  flesh  I 
The  cry  of  the  whole  multitude  of  the  covetous  is. 
Away  with  this  Jesus,  who  would  have  us  renounce 
our  mammon,  and  ^ive  part  of  the  money  wiiich  we 
have  earned  witli  so  much  pains,  in  alms  to  the  poor  ! 
We  shall  follow  no  such  leader.  This  is  the  cry  of 
all  the  children  of  antichrist.  On  every  allurement 
to  sin,  Christ  and  satan,  as  it  were,  stand  in  competi- 
tion ;  the  former  admonishes,  the  latter  intices ; 
Christ  enjoins,  satan  forbids.  If  we  give  way  to  the 
temptation,  we  side  with  satan,  ^vho  was  a  rebel  and 
murderer  from  the  beginning,  and,  reject  the  blessed 
Jesus.  Alas!  this  wickedness  is  daily  acted.  Every 
one,  who  will  not  submit  to  the  easy  yoke  of  Christ, 
and  obey  his  precepts,  rejects  him,  and  makes  choice 
of  Barabbas.  Every  one  who  delights  in  anci  coun- 
tenances vice,  and  on  the  contrary,  suppresses  true 
religion  and  virtue ;  ever}'-  one  who  pers^:cutes  the 
godly,  and  connives  at  the  im.piety  of  the  wicked,  es- 
pecially when  they  are  persons  of  rank,  or  protected 
by  men  in  power,  rejects  Jesus,  and  prefers  Barabbas. 
If  we  are  guilty  of  this  dreadful  sin,  the  consequence 
of  it  will  be,  that  we  shall  be  rejected  by  Christ  in  our 
turn,  when  he  cometh  in  the  glory  of  his  Father  at 
the  List  day. 

5.  The  disciples  of  Christ  are  not  to  expect  bet- 
ter treatment  from  the  world,  than  what  their  Lord 
and  master  met  with.  As  the  whole  multitude  cried 
out.  Away  with  him,  give  us  Barabbas  ;  so  likewise 
they  cried  out  against  St.  Paul,  Away  with  him  ! 
(Acts  xxi.  36.)  and  the  same  outcry  was  repealed 
numberless  times  afterwards  against  die  primiiive 
Christians  ;  Away,  said  their  persecutors,  witii  these 
Atheists  !  And  this  \\as,  because  they  would  not, 
acknowledge  the  idols  of  the  heathens  t<^  be  gods.. 


^i)  QllRlsr's   SUFVERING'S  BEFORE' 

.Ho\v  often  is  the  name  of  the  Saints  truduced  as  evil? 
But  Christ  says,  '  Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall 
^y  all  manner  of  evil  against  you  faiseiy  for  my  sake/ 
We  are  not  therefore  to  take  offence  when  this  hap- 
jpens  to  other  faithful  servants  of  God;  nor  are  we  t6 
think  it  strange,  when  we  see  every  thing  dark  and 
tempestuous  about  us,  and  when  the  world  cries  out, 
that  we  aro  not  worthy  to  live.  Happy  are  we  when 
this  comes  upon  us  for  Clirist's  sake  !  for  it  is  infi- 
nitely better  to  be  rejected  by  the  world  in  fellow- 
ship ^with  Christ  than  to  enjoy  the  esteem,  love,  and 
applause  of  the  world  for  a  season,  and  afterwards  to 
hear  these  dreadful  vvords  proceed  from  the  mouth  of 
our  Redeemer  and  Judge,  '  Depart  from  me,  ye  that 
X\^ork  iniquity,'  (Matth.  vii.  23.) 

THE     riiAYl-R. 

We  also  thank  thee,  O  gracious  Saviour,  for  this 
part  of  thy  sufferings  which  we  have  now  considered* 
Grant  that  our  hearts  may  be  mollified  and  changed 
by  such  considerations ;  may  be  filled  with  hatred 
against  sin,  and  excited  to  a  cordial  love  of  thee. 
Preserve  us  from  impiously  rejecting  thee,  and  from 
preferring  the  service  of  satan  to  tlie  fellowship  of 
til}-  sufferings.  Gi^•e  us  we  beseech  thee,  henceforth 
by  thy  spirit,  the  uill  and  ability  constantly  to  reject 
the  e\'il  and  choose  the  good,  to  bear  thy  reproiich^. 
to  take  upon  us  thy  cross,  and  ^villingly  to  submit  to 
be  rejected  with  thee  by  the  world,  that  we  may  be 
iicknowlcdged  by  thee  before  the  Father  and  his  holy 
angels.  Gtrant  this  for  the  sake  of  thy  meritorious 
sr.fftrines,     Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  XL 

PJLATE's  rilUITLESS    ENDEAVOURS  TO   RELEASE 
TJIE    LORD   JESUS. 

'  PILATE    therefore,    willing  to   release  Jesus, 
saitli  again  unto  them,  \Vlmt  will  }c  then  that  I  shall 


JIIB  TRIBUNAL    OF   PILATE.  ^^5 

do  vvtih  Jesus,  who  is  called  Christ,  and  whom  ye 
call  die  King  of  the  Jews  ?  And  they  all  cried  out, 
Crucify  him  !  Crucify  him  !  And  he  said  unto  them 
the  third  time,  Why,  what  evil  hath  he  done  ?  I  have 
found  no  cause  of  death  in  him  :  I  will  therefore  chas- 
tise him,  and  let  him  go.  But  they  cried  out  the 
more  exceedingly,  Let  him  be  crucified  !  And  they 
\\  ere  instant  with  loud  voices,  requiring  that  he  might 
be  crucified ;  And  the  voices  of  them  and  of  the 
chief  Priests  prevLiiled.  And  so  Pilate,  willing  to 
content  the  people,  gave  sentence  that  it  should  be 
as  they  required.  And  he  released  unto  them  him 
that  for  sedition  and  murder  had  been  cast  into  pri- 
son, whom  they  had  desired  ;  but  he  delivered  Jesus 
unto  their  will'.'  (Matt,  xxvii.  22,  23.  Mark  xv. 
12—15.   Luke  xxiii.  20—25. 

In  the  last  Consideration,  we  have  observed  that 
the  Lord  Jesus  was  placed  on  the  same  footing  with 
Barabbas,  a  rebel  and  murderer,  and  offered  to  the 
choice  of  people  ;  who,  by  the  instigation  of  the  chief 
Priests,  rejected  Jesus,  and  demanded  with  a  tumul- 
tuous clamour  that  the  murderer  should  be  released. 
In  these  w^ords  we  have  a  further  account  of  Pilate's 
fruitless  endeavours  to  release  the  Lord  Jesus.  Herein 
is  mentioned, 

First,  Pilate's  intention. 

Secondly,  His  fruitless  endeavours  for  putting  his 
<:lesign  in  execution. 

I.  Pilate's  intention  is  intimated  by  St.  Luke  in 
these  words :  '  Pilate  therefore,  willing  to  release  Je- 
sus,'(Luke  xxiii.  22.)  It  would  have  been  more 
agreeable  to  Pilate,  if  the  people  by  their  own  choice 
had  declared  for  Jesus  ;  for  he  was  not  onlv  in  his  own 
mmd  convinced  of  our  Saviour's  innocence,  but  like- 
wise had  been  warned  by  his  wife  to  have  nothing  to 
do  with  that  just  man,  nor  offer  the  least  injury  to  his 
person.  But  when,  contrary  to  his  expectation,  and 
all  probability,  the  repeated  cry  of  the  whole  multi- 
tude was,  '  Away  with  this  man,  and  release  unto  us^ 


80  chuist's  sufferings  before 

Barabbas,'  he  still,  for  a  time,  adhered  to  his  first  piif' 
pose  of  endeavouring  to  procure  Jesus's  discharge. 

If  he  had  been  truly  in  earnest  in  his  design,  he 
would  have  proceeded  according  to  the  laws,  and 
jmade  use  of  hisjuridicial  power  ;  and  by  that  means, 
according  to  all  human  appearance,  would  soon  have 
accomplished  his  desire.  For  he  afterwards  boasts  of 
his  authority,  when  he  says  to  Jesus,  '  Knowest  thou 
not  that  I  have  power  to  crucify  thee,  and  have  power 
to  release  thee,  (John  xix.  10.)  But  Pilate  was 
wavering  and  irresolute.  He  was  unwilling  to  con- 
demn an  innocent  person ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  he 
was  for  keeping  in  with  the  accusers  of  this  innocent 
man,  thit  he  might  not  draw  their  resentment  on  him- 
self. Thus  his  m.ind  fluctuated,  without  immedi- 
ately determining  any  thing  ;  so  that  he  himself,  as 
it  were,  stood  in  the  way,  and  obstructed  the  execu- 
tion of  his  own  purpose.  For  he  tranferred  the  ju- 
ridical power,  v;hich  he  had  to  acquit  Jesus,  into  the 
hands  of  the  people  ;  and  so  far  betrayed  the  cause  of 
innocence  and  justice,  as  to  leave  it  to  the  option  of 
the  tumultuous  populace,  whether  they  would  have 
the  innocent  Jesus  released,  or  Barabbas,  who  was  a 
jtbei  and  murderer.  Thus  Pilate  himself  in  a  man- 
ner tied  his  ov.n  hands,  and  curtailed  his  power  of 
>administering  justice. 

Pilate,  in  this  behaviour,  is  a  true  representative 
of  those  men,  who  have  abundance  of  good  inten- 
tions ;  but  their  wills  are  so  ensnared  by  the  allure- 
ments of  sin,  that  they  never  can  resolve  to  put  them 
in  execution.  They  design  to  leave  off  this  and  the 
other  vice  ;  they  promise  that  for  the  future  they  will 
abstain  from  those  mean  vices  of  cursing,  swearing, 
;md  lying  ;  thej^  will  no  longer  talk  obscenely  ;  they 
will  abstain  from  intemperate  drinking ;  they  will 
avoid  bad  compan}-,  and  endeavour  to  amend  in  every 
respect.  But  alas  !  these  good  resolutions  are  never 
put  in  practice.  For  they  will  not  make  use  of  the 
proper  mean's  to  effect  their  designs.     They  will  not 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  S7 

avoid  the  occasions  of  sinning  ;  they  ^vill  not  engage 
in  earnest  supplications  to  God ;  tliey  will  not  pray 
to  him  for  a  contiite  and  new  heart ;  they  will  not  do 
violence  to  their  wicked  inclinations  and  fleshly  lusts  ; 
but  they  leave  these  things  to  come  spontaneously, 
without  using  their  own  endeavours.  Thus,  not- 
withstanding all  their  good  intentions,  they  continue 
slaves  to  sin  and  satan.  Nay,  they  have  so  little  mo- 
desty, that  they  set  themselves  on  a  level  with  St. 
Paul  in  this  particular,  and  say,  in  these  words,  *  IVj 
will  is  present  with  me  ;  but  how  to  perfonn  that 
which  is  good,  I  find  not,'  (Kom.  vii.  18.)  But  they 
never  think  on  another  passage  in  that  x'Ypostle's  wri- 
tings, wherein  he  says,  '  I  can  do  all  things  through 
Christ,  who  strengtheneth  me,'  (Phil.  iv.  15.)  When 
such  irresolute  sinners  have  thus  o-one  on  for  a  con- 
siderable  time  in  forming  good  designs,  in  praying, 
now  and  then  lamenting  their  wretched  case,  and 
making  some  faint  struggles  against  sin,  and  do  not 
meet  with  thedesired  success  they  will  alter  their  tone, 
and  say,  *  I  fain  would  reform  my  life  ;  but  I  can- 
not compass  it.'  At  last  they  proceed  so  far  as  to 
throw  the  blame  of  their  impenitence  on  God,  and 
to  accuse  their  Creator ;  impiously  alleging,  that  he 
will  not  assist  their  endeavours,  and  how  willing  so- 
ever they  are  to  be  converted,  God  will  not  vouch- 
safe to  give  them  sufficient  grace. 

Let  every  one  Avho  reads  this  seriously  examine 
himself,  and  see  whether  he  has  hitherto  been  of  such 
a  perverse  disposition. 

Jesus  Christ  was  also  to  suffer  by  this  wicked  de- 
pravity of  the  human  will,  that  he  might  also  expiate 
this  sin.  Therefore  whoever  is  conscious  that  he  is 
guilty  of  it,  let  him  sincerely  repent,  and  humbly  take 
refuge  in  the  sufferings  of  Christ ;  and  pray  to  God 
to  give  him  a  firm  resolution  of  amendment,  and  as- 
sist him  in  the  execution  of  it :  Otherwise,  notwith- 
standing his  good  intentions,  his  portion  will  be  with 
the  workers  of  iniquity  :  and  Solomon's  v\-crds  v.iH 


^8  d"lIElST's    SlfFFElltyCS    BEFORE 

Ijt  verified  in  him,  '  The  desire  of  the  slothful  kil- 
leth  ;  for  his  hands  refuse  to  labour,'  (Prov.  xxi.  25. ^ 
Such  was  Pilate's  intention  for  releasing  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

II.  In  the  next  place,  we  are  to  consider  his  fruit- 
less endeavours  for  putting  his  design  in  execution. 
In  the  aboA'e  harmonised  account  we  may  observe  the- 
following  particulars. 

First,  How  Pilate  opposed  the  Jews,  and  as  it  were 
contested  with  them  about  releasing  Jesus. 

Secondly,  The  instruments  by  w^hich  tjie  Jews- 
got  the  better  of  Pilate. 

Thirdly,  How  at  length,  after  an  ineffectual  resist*- 
ance,  he  yielded  to  their  will. 

First,  Pilate  opposed  the  Jews,  and  as  it  were  con- 
tested vrith  them  about  releasing  the  blessed  Jesus. 
This  was  done  by  a  two- fold  question,  which  he  put 
to  the  people. 

As  to  the  first  question,  v/e  find  that  Pilate,  in 
order  to  shew  his  willingness  to  release  Je^us,  said 
again  unto  them,  ^  What  will  ye  that  I  shall  do  with 
Jesus  who  is  called  Christ,  and  whom  ye  call  the 
King  of  the  Jews  *?'  He  no  longer  troubled  himself 
about  Barabbas,  having  before  referred  it  to  the  peo- 
ple's choice,  whether  they  would  have  Barabbas  or 
Jesus  released  ;  so  that  he  was  now,  as  it  were,  en- 
tangled in  his  own  toils.  But  what  gave  him  most 
imeasiness  at  present  was,  how  to  dispose  of  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  v/hoin  he  was  desirous  also  to  discharge. 
He  tlierefore  asks  the  people,  What  they  would  have 
him  do  Vv'ith  this  man  ?  In  this  question  Pilate  shews 
botli  his  artifice,  and  the  wickedness  of  his  heart. 

His  nrtiiice  or  worldl}'  cunning  appears  by  his  put- 
ting it  in  the  power  of  the  Jewish  people  to  release 
Jesus  also ;  and  thus  he  enlarges  their  privileges, 
which  they  so  highly  valued.  For  he  seems  not  un- 
willing to  permit  them  to  release  two  instead  of 
one  at  the  Passover,  if  they  would  but  give  him  the 
feast  intimation  of  their  assent.    He  imagined  that  the 


THE     TRIBUNAL    OF    I'lIATE.  55» 

Jews,  who  were  so  tenacious  of  their  privileges,  would 
have  eagerly  embraced  this  opportunity  of  enlurging 
them  by  interceding  for  the  disch;?irge  of  Jesus  of  Na- 
zareth, who  was  more  deserving  of  it  than  Barabbas.. 
It  was  also  a  finesse  in  him,  that,  in  his  address  to  the 
Jews,  he  mentioned  Jesus  by  such  titles  as  tended  to 
prejudice  the  minds  of  the  people  in  his  favour.  He- 
stiles  him  Christ,  and  Ki  Qg  of  the  Jews.  As  if  he 
had  said,  "  You  have  for  a  long  time  expected  a 
Messiah.  Now  as  I  understand,  that  this  man  is  held 
to  be  that  person  b}^  a  great  number  of  the  Jews,  it 
would  become  you  to  shew  him  more  love  and  es- 
teem. You  accuse  him  of  giving  himself  out  to  be 
the  King  of  the  Jews;  and  I  am  informed,  that  the 
other  day.  at  his  entry  into  Jerusalem,  you  pubUcly 
proclaimed  him  to  be  a  king.  Consider  therefore, 
that  it  will  little  redouiid  to  your  honour  to  suffei' 
your  king  to  be  crucified  as  a  slave."  So  far  there 
was  a  great  deal  of  artifice  and  cunning  in  this  qujs- 
tion. 

But  this  artifice  was  intermixed  witli  wickedness 
and  malice.  For,  in  the  first  place,  it  ill  becomes  a 
judge  to  ask  the  people,  what  he  shall  do  with  a  pri- 
soner :  He  ought  to  be  guided  by  the  laws,  according 
to  which  he  should  proceed  in  punishing  crimina.is. 
In  the  next  place,  he  redicules  both  our  S;iviour's 
prophetic  office  of  Messiah,  and  his  regal  dignity  ; 
for  he  himself  did  noi  believe  that  Jesus  was  the 
Messiah  and  King  of  the  Jews,  and  yet  he  makes  use 
of  this  as  the  means  of  promoting  his  release.  Hence 
Pilate's  meaning  seems  to  be  this  :  If  you  do  not  re- 
s:ard  Jesus  as  an  innocent  mm,  yet  \ou  ouarht  to 
shew  a  reward  to  your  own  honour  and  reputation  ; 
for  every  one  will  be  apt  to  think  it  strange,  that  you 
have  consented  to  have  this  person  crucified,  whom 
by  your  acclamations  you  had  so  lateiy  proclaimed 
King  of  Israel.  Now  reflect,  what  all  people  of  aiiy 
sense  or  honour  will  think  of  such  an  inconsistent 
conduct.     But  it  appeared  by  tlie  ev^nt  what  iutiy;- 

vot.  ri.  M 


S#  Christ's  sufferings  before 

eflfect  such  representations  had  on  an  inflamed,  out* 
ra^^eous  multitude  :  For  when  the  question  was  put^ 
*  What  shall  I  do  with  Jesus  V  all  the  people  imme- 
diately cried  out  with  one  voice,  *  Crucify  him ! 
Crucify  him  ! ' 

Hereupon  Pilate  puts  another  question  to  the  peo- 
ple, viz.  '  Why,  what  evil  hath  he  done  V 

1.  Pilate  again  bears  witness  to  the  innocence  of 
Jesus,  both  interrogatively  and  affirmatively,  in  these 
words  :  '  What  evil  hath  he  done  ?  I  have  found  no 
cause  of  death  in  him.'  As  if  he  had  said,  It  is  not 
a  sufficient  reason  for  me  to  order  Jesus  to  be  cru* 
cified,  that  you  cry  out  in  the  face  of  open  day.  Cru- 
cify him  !  Crucify  him !  He  must  have  been  found 
guilty  of  some  enormous  crime,  deserving  of  such  an 
infamous  and  painful  death.  Now  I  have  not  found 
any  such  crime  in  the  man  ;  and  you  yourselves  have 
not  been  able  to  prove  him  guilty.  If  you  have  any 
thing  of  weight  to  urge,  speak  out ;  I  am  ready  to 
enter  on  a  fresh  examination,  and  for  this  reason  I  ask 
you,  '  What  evil  hath  he  done  V  For  as  to  what  has 
hitherto  been  alleged  against  him,  that  does  not  at 
all  amount  to  a  capital  crime.  Thus  Pilate  a  third 
time  delivers  his  testimony  of  the  innocence  of  Christ. 
Upon  this, 

2,  He  proposes  a  medium,  by  way  of  expedient  t» 
put  an  end  to  the  affiiir :  '  I  will  therefore  chastise 
him,  and  let  him  go.'  Thus  he  intended  to  keep  the 
middle  way  in  this  critical  situation.  His  conscience 
loudly  protested  against  putting  Jesus  to  death ;  yet, 
in  order  to  appease  the  tumultuous  rage  of  the  Jews, 
he  \\  as  for  giving  them  some  satisfaction  ;  and  to  this 
end,  he  proposed  the  barbarous  expedient  of  scourg- 
ing him  alter  the  Roman  manner.  But  how  unjust 
this  proceeding  was,  has  been  already  shewn  in  the 
ninth  Consideration.  This  was  the  method  Pilate  took 
to  silence  the  people  who  demanded  that  Jesus  should 
be  crucified. 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OP    PILATE.  91 

We  find  in  this  behaviour  of  Pilate  some  thinars 
worthy  of  our  imitation,  and  some  things  which  we 
are  to  avoid. 

In  his  repeated  remonstrances  to  the  people,  in  or- 
der to  preserve  the  life  of  the  innocent  Jesus,  he  is  a 
pattern  to  us,  who  should  thus  stand  up  in  behalf  of 
God's  injured  honour,  and  the  welfare  of  our  neigh- 
bour. We  should  spare  no  pains,  avoid  no  labour  ; 
but  risk  all  the  storms  which  malice  can  raise  against 
us,  when  engaged  in  so  good  a  cause.  Pilate's  ques- 
tion, '  What  evil  hath  he  done  ?'  is  likewise  com- 
mendable, and  worthy  of  imitation  ;  and  is  frequently 
heard  among  Christians.  If  this  question  was  put  on 
proper  occasions,  many  persons  wrongfully  defamed 
would  be  vindicated  and  comforted ;  the  mouth  of 
malice  would  be  stopped,  infamous  calumnies  dis- 
couraged, and  so  many  scandalous  falsities  against 
good  men  would  no  longer  go  current.  But  if,  on 
the  other  hand,  we  only  ask  what  ill  is  said  of  a  per- 
son, in  order  to  defame  him,  good  men  will  still  suf- 
fer the  lash  of  calumny  ;  venomous  tongues  will  won^ 
ton  in  an  unbounded  licentiousness,  and  audaciously 
spread  the  worst  reports  of  the  best  men.  But  if  a 
man  is  so  far  prejudiced  against  the  innocent  as  to 
agree  to  that  absurd  maxim.  That  he  of  whom^  evil 
is  spoken,  must  be  in  some  measure  guilty,  it  is  the 
very  triumph  of  the  spirit  of  lies.  Let  it  rather  be 
our  equitable  and  generous  resolution,  always  to  ob- 
viate calumny  in  this  manner,  ''  You,  who  speak  evil 
of  your  neighbour,  ought  to  go  to  him,  and  before 
his  face  prove  unanswerably  what  evil  he  has  done." 

But  though  Pilate  on  this  occasion  did  something 
which  may  shame  many  Christians,  and  serve  for 
their  imitation  ;  yet  is  he  not  to  be  approved  or  imi- 
tated in  other  particulars.  He  only  opposed  the  rage 
of  the  multitude  against  the  innocent  Jesus  with 
words,  without  making  use  of  the  power,  which  God 
had  put  into  his  hands,  for  quelling  the  tumult.  No 
more,  indeed,  is  to  be  expected  from  him  whose 


92  chkist's  sufferings  before 

power  does  not.txieiKi  bt\  ovd  fair  words  ;  but  frona 
a  peison  invested  \\ith  sufficient  power  and  i.uihoiity, 
it  is  justly  required  that  he  should  go  farther  in  the 
protection  of  innocence.  From  this  behaviour  of 
Pilate  we  niav  learn  the  lollowins:  truths  : 

1.  God  has  imprinted  on  the  conscience  of  man 
such  an  abhorrence  of  manifest  injustice,  that  it  oiten 
m  kes  a  long  resistance  before  it  gives  itself  up  to 
commit  injustice. 

Our  conscience  is  certainly  corrupted  by  the  fall, 
and  the  abhorrence  of  ■:  vil,  which  was  at  first  infused 
into  us  by  our  Creator,  extremely  weakened  ;  yet 
natural  conscience  frequently  holds  out  a  long  time, 
before  it  suffers  itself  entirely  to  be  overcome  by,  and 
brought  under  the  yoke  of  sin.  Of  this  we  have  an 
instance  in  Pilate.  He  tk fends  himself  with  questions 
and  protestations,  rather  than  consent  to  this  iniqui- 
tous proceeding,  or  surrender  himself  a  slave  to  wick- 
edness and  sin.  His  conscience  is  strongly  impres- 
sed with  the  idea  of  the  injustice  of  putting  an  inno- 
cent man  to  death.  And  since  he  was  convinced  of 
our  blessed  Saviour's  innocence,  he  could  not  imme- 
diately bring  himseif  to  put  him  to  death,  and  thus  act 
contrary  to  the  fundamental  truths  w  hich  were  en- 
graven on  his  conscience. 

This  innate  power  of  conscience  many  who  read 
this,  it  may  be  presumed,  have  experienced.  A 
man  when  first  seduced  to  commit  a  sin,  from  which 
he  had  always  abstained  before,  generally  feels  in  his 
conscience  the  most  violent  emotions,  and  reluctance 
against  it.  But  by  custom  ol  sinning,  his  conscience 
becomes  enured  to  sin,  and  his  former  abhorrence  of 
Qx'il  gradually  wears  off.  Hence  every  one  may  judge 
of  tlie  state  of  his  own  conscience,  by  attending  to 
the  laintncss  or  vigour  of  its  motions,  when  he  is 
about  to  commat  any  sin.  Let  us  therefore  treat  our 
consciences  with  the  greatest  tenderness  :  and  let  us 
by  no  means  endeavour  to  quench  that  abhorrence  of 
evil  wliich  is  naturally  imprinted  on  the  hupian  mind; 


fHE    TRIBUNAL    OF   PILATE.  >93 

since,  by  opposing  this  divine  principle  within  us,  we 
act  in  opposition  to  God  himself.  This  is  the  great- 
est injury  a  man  can  do  to  his  own  soul ;  for  it  is  the 
most  certain  way  to  incur  the  dreadful  judgment  of 
iin  obdurate  insensibility. 

2.  The  more  opposition  a  man  has  met  with  in 
committing  any  heinous  sin,  either  from  his  own 
conscience  or  from  others,  the  greater  is  the  guilt 
he  incurs  l:)y  sinning. 

.  The  chief  Pjiests  and  Elders  of  the  people  had 
many  difficulties  to  grapple  with,  before  they  com- 
passed their  wicked  ends.  Pilate,  for  a  long  time, 
opposed  their  unjust  desires ;  and  it  must  have  cost 
them  no  small  pains,  before  they  could  bring  over 
the  people  to  vote  as  they  directed  them.  But  this 
highly  aggravated  their  sin  5  and  consequently  in- 
creased their  guilt.  This  circumstance  is  likewise 
observed  by  St.  Peter,  who  says  to  the  Jews.  '  Ye 
denied  Jesus  in  the  presence  of  Pilate,  when  he  was 
determined  to  let  him  go  :  Ye  denied  the  holy  One, 
and  the  just,  and  desired  a  murderer  to  be  granted  to 
you.'  (Acts  iii.  13,  14.)  St.  Luke  also  carefully  enu- 
merates the  impediments  -which  God  threw  in  the 
way  of  the  Jews  to  divert  them  from  this  horrid  in- 
justice, in  these  words  :  '  And  Piiatc  scid  a  third 
time,  Why,  what  evil  halh  he  done  ?'  (Luke  xxiii. 
23.)  Thus  all  the  obstructions,  Vv'hich  God  kiys  in  u 
sinner's  way  to  prevent  the  perpetration  of  any  crime, 
are  registered  in  God's  book  of  remembrance,  and 
there  charged  to  his  account.  God  often  meets 
those  persons  who  have  purposed  in  their  minds  to 
commit  a  sin,  as  formerly  the  angel  of  the  Lord  met 
Balaam,  with  a  flaming  sword,  with  dreadful  threat- 
enings  and  agonies  of  mind.  He  causes  every  thing 
to  obstruct  them,  and  gi\  es  them  not  only  warn:ngs 
and  smitings  of  conscience  ;  but  throws  in  their  way 
many  obstacles  to  the  accomplishment  of  their  wick- 
ed purposes,  and  such  as  they  cannot  overcome  with- 
out great  strugglings.     Wh^n  a  man,  uotwithstand- 


94  CHBIST's  STTFrERINeS    BEFORI^ 

ing  all  these  obstacles,  breaks  the  chains  by  which. 
God  would  have  restrained  him,  and,  like  a  head- 
strong horse,  throws  off  the  reins  with  which  God 
would  have  kept  him  in  the  right  \v^y,  it  is  a  guilt  c^ 
the  deepest  die.  It  beho\Ts  every  one,  therefore,  to 
examine  himself  in  this  point,  whether  he  has  thus 
sinned  against  God,  and  his  gracious  warnings  and 
poweriul  calls  against  sin.  If  we  have  been  guilty 
of  such  inattention  and  wickedness,  let  us  fly  to  Je- 
sus as  our  asylum,  who  had  suffered  under  such 
circumstances,  that  these  heinous  offences  might  be 
forgiven  to  the  truly  penitent. 

3.  Many  persons,  to  this  day,  are  at  a  loss  what 
to  do  with  Jesus,  i.  e.  they  know  not  in  what  light  to 
look  upon  the  Mediator  of  the  New  covenant,  bomc 
impiously  make  Christ  a  promoter  of  sin  who  has  shed 
his  precious  blood,  and  acquired  such  infinite  merit, 
in  order  to  procure  for  them  from  God  the  privilege 
of  continuing  in  sin,  without  any  fear  of  punishment. 
But  such  presumptuous  persons  may  be  well  assured, 
that  they  are  most  wretchedly  deceived.  The  bles- 
sed Jesus  will  never  suffer  himself  to  be  considered 
in  such  a  light  with  impunity ;  for  it  is  contrary  to  tiie 
great  end  and  design  of  his  mission. 

Even  penitent  believers  often  do  not  rightly  under- 
stand, in  what  light  they  are  to  look  on  Christ  before 
the  Divine  tribunal.  They  look  upon  him  very  dif- 
ferently from  what  he  is  represented  to  them  in  the 
gospel.  They  are  often  afraid  of  him  as  a  rigid  leg- 
islator and  merciless  judge,  imposing  grievous  bur- 
dens on  them,  and  rigorously  executing  the  sentence 
of  death  against  them.  Whereas  on  the  contrary,  he 
is  mildness  and  benignity  itself;  and  promises  rest 
to  all  those  who  travail  and  are  heavy  laden,  if  they 
come  unto  him. 

Secondly,  Let  us  consider  the  instrument  by  which 
the  Jews  got  the  better  of  Pilate  ;  and  this  was  a  tu- 
multuDus  outcry  of  the  multitude,  which  was  as- 
sembled about  his  house. 


THE   TRIBUNAL  OP  PILATE.  95 

To  Pilate's  first  question,  namely,  'What  shall  I 
ilo  with  Jesus  who  is  called  Christ?'  he  receives  for 
answer, '  Crucify  him.'  They  now.  tell  him  particu- 
larly, aiid  without  any  hesitation,  what  he  should  do 
with  Christ.  Before  they  had  only  cried  out  in  gen- 
eral terms,  *  Away  with  him  ;'  but  now  they  specify 
what  death  he  should  die,  and  desire  that  the  punish- 
ment which  Barabbas  deserved,  as  a  rebel  and  mur- 
derer, should  be  inflicted  on  Jesus,  and  that  he  should 
be  crucified  instead  of  that  malefactor.  In  this  cry 
the  people  unanimously  join.  When  Pilate  said 
therefore,  '  What  shdll  I  then  do  with  Jesus  ? '  they 
answered  'Crucify  him!  Crucify  him!'  and  by  re- 
peating the  words  twice,  they  shewed  their  eagerness 
and  tumultuous  impatience,  and  that  they  thirsted  af- 
ter our  Saviour's  blood. 

In  answer  to  Pilate's  second  question,  viz.  *  What 
evil  hath  he  done?'  they  cannot  produce  a  single 
fault  of  which  they  can  accuse  him  with  any  appear- 
ance of  truth  :  so  that  they  have  nothing  to  urge,  but 
only  to  repeat  a  senseless  clamour.  Crucify  him  !  Cru- 
oify  him  !  The  medium,  which  Pilate  had  proposed 
of  chastising  Jesus  and  letting  him  go,  they  take  no 
notice  of;  but  insist  on  his  being  put  to  death  by 
crucifixion.  V/hatever  unsteadiness  Pi  Kite  might 
shew  on  this  occasion,  the  Jews  unmoveably  persisted 
"in  their  bloody  purpose,  and  would  by  no  means  be 
dissuaded  from  it.  Thus  this  tumultuous  outcry 
grew  to  such  a  head,  that  St.  Luke  (Lukexxiii.  23.) 
can  scarce  find  words  to  express  the  impetuosity  of 
it.  He  says,  in  the  first  place,  '  They  were  instnnt 
with  loud  voices.'  By  this  he  gives  us  to  uudei  stand, 
that  as  the  judge,  instead  of  the  firmness  becoming 
his  office,  began  to  waver  and  give  wiiy  to  their  clam- 
ours, so  they  became  more  bold  ;i!id  urgent  in  their 
demands ;  and  since  they  had  no  proofs  to  adduce 
of  our  Saviour's  guilt,  th-.y  made  up  tiiat  deficiency 
with  the  vehemence  of  their  voices.  Ahci'  this,  the 
5tvangelist  adds,  '  requiring  that  he  miglit  be  cruci- 


96  CHIIIST'9    sufferings    UEFOREf 

fied.'  They  now  no  longer  made  use  of  a  submissivo- 
requestto  obtain  their  ends,  but  assumed  to  themselv^es- 
the  authority  of  cL'ctating"  to  the  governor,  and  per- 
emptorily insisted  on  his  comj^liance  with  their  de- 
mands.    In  the  last  place,   St   Luke  says,  *and  the 
voices  of  them  and  of  the  chief  Priests  prevailed.' 
Hence  it  appears,  that  the  hoary  Chiefs  of  the  Jewish 
people  likewise  cried  out  as  loud  as  their  feeble  age 
would  permit,    and  that  they  were  not  ashamed   to 
join  in  one  tumultuous  cry  with  the  rude  populace, 
of  whom,  upon  another  occasion,  they  contemptuous- '' 
ly  said,  '  This  people  who  knoweth  not  the  law,  are 
cursed,'  (John  vii.  49.)  Thus  the  voices  of  the  peo- 
ple and  of  the  chief  Priests  were  here  combined  to- 
gether, and   became  so  vehement  and  importunate, 
that  they  prevailed  over  Pilate's  irresolution  and  tim- 
orousness.     Here  likewise  was  ftillilled  the  prophecy 
in  the  Psalms,  (Psalm  xxii.  13.)  where  the  Vlcssiah 
complains  ofthis  outrageous  multitude  in  these  words  : 
'  they  gaped  upon  me  with  their  mouths,  as  a  raven-  -  4 
ing  and  a  roaring  lion.'     We  shall  here  make  the  fol- 
lowing observation  : 

Sin  is  of  such  a  savage  nature,  that  the  more  it  is 
indulged  cuid  yielded  to,  the  more  violent  it  rages. 

The  more  Pilate  represented  to  his  enemies  the  in- 
nocence of  the  blessed  Jesus,  and  the  more  he  expos- 
tulated with  them,  the  more  vehemently  did  they  cry 
out  in  a  rage,  Crucify  him  !  Crucify  him  !  Even  the 
most  cautious  and  prudent  people  are  often  thrown 
into  a  kind  of  phrenzy,  when  they  have  once  drank 
of  the  intoxicating  cup  of  satan.  Such  a  troubled 
sea  is  the  heart  of  man  ;  that  \"/hen  it  is  once  set  in 
a  violent  agitation,  it  usually  throws  up  its  own  filth 
and  shame.  How  should  it  humble  every  one  of  us 
to  think,  that  he  bears  in  his  bosom  the  latent  seeds 
of  his  abomination.  If  any  one  has  not  been  unhap- 
pily carried  to  such  excess,  it  is  not  owing  mereiy  to 
his  own  caution  and  prudence,  but  lo  Jw  grace  of 
God,  who  has  hitherto  keptirom  iiimiiuGa  OGcaiion^ 


THE     TRIBI/NAL    OF    PILATE.  "97 

as  would  have  stirred  up  this  fury  within  him.  But 
on  this  holy  person  the  power  of  sin  failed ;  here  it 
met  with  a  more  powerful  restraint.  '  Hitherto,  said 
the  divine  justice,  shall  thou  come  and  no  farther ; 
here  shall  thy  proud  waves  be  stayed.'  Sin  shall  now 
no  longer  tyrannize  over  thee,  O  man,  if  thou  con- 
tinuest  in  the  grace  of  God  and  fellowship  of  Chrisi 
and  buildest  thine  house  on  this  immoveable  rock. 

Thirdly,  and  lasdy,  mention  is  litre  made,  how 
Pilate  at  length,  after  an  ineftecuial  resistance,  yields 
to  the  will  of  the  people,  when  he  heard  their  clamours 
and  tumultuous  outcries  continually  increasing.  Pi- 
late concluded,  that  nothing  Wiis  to  be  done  with  the 
enraged  multitude,  and  that  it  was  better  to  give  way 
to  their  violence,  lest,  if  their  fury  should  break  out 
into  an  open  insurrection,  they  should  assault  Kir, 
house,  and  murder  him  and  his  family.  He  tlierefore 
resolved  to  content  the  people,  and  to  act  as  they  de- 
sired him.  To  this  end,  he  not  only  complied  with 
their  demand,  by  pronouncing  a  jucliclai  sentence  that 
Jesus,  at  the  desire  of  the  people,  should  be  crucified; 
but  also  discharged  the  murderer  Barabbas,  whom 
they  probably  congratulated  on  his  narrow  escape, 
and  received  into  the  Synagogue  as  one  of  their  sc- 
ciety.     Hence  we  shall  deduce  the  following  trnth;?. 

1.  When  the  natural  ma'.i  begins  to  slip  do\ni  the 
precipice  of  sin,  his  own  strength  is  not  sufficient  to 
recover  him. 

When  Pilate  once  departed  from  the  plain  path  of, 
justice,  and  had  recourse  to  schemes  and  artifice,  he 
fell  into  such  a  slippery  way,  that  he  could  not  re- 
cover himself.  When  once  he  began  to  capitulate 
with  the  people,  and  to  yield  to  them,  hoping  tk'.t.. 
they  in  return  might  meet  him  half  way,  satan  pres- 
sed him  so  close,  by  means  of  the  tumultuous  popu- 
lace, that  he  threw  him  to  the  ground,  and  triumphed 
over  his  taint  struo-s-linp-s.  It  is  the  same  still  with 
all  presumptuous  men,  ho'wxver  they  may  persuade 
themselves,  that,  notwithstanding  the  many  oppor> 

VOL,    ri.  N" 


98  ClIRIST^S   SUFFERINGS   BEFORE 

tunilies  of  sinning  that  occur  to  them,  they  will  be 
careful  to  keep  within  bounds,  and  at  a  proper  time 
clear  themselves  with  honour.  Happy  is  the  man 
who,  acting  more  wisely,  withstands  the  first  assaults 
of  sin,  and  avoids  the  opportunities  of  falling.  Let 
no  one  rely  too  much  on  his  good  dispositions,  his 
natural  strength,  or  the  abhorrence  he  may  have  for 
some  particular  sin.  A  violent  temptation  soon  over- 
comes nature,  which,  with  all  its  boasted  strength,  is- 
not  able  to  withstand  its  efforts.  Satan  is  a  subtle 
enemy,  and  by  the  fear  of  man,  the  hope  of  favour 
and  applause,  or  upon  the  urgent  demands  of  the  peo- 
ple, he  strikes  a  damp  on  the  best  inclinations.  Tiiis,. 
Pilate  unhappily  experienced ;  and  the  only  way  to 
come  off  conqueror  is,  to  apply  for  assistance  from 
above. 

2.  The  condemnation  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  the 
releasing  of  Barabbas,  as  a  type  of  our  freedom  and 
release,  bv  the  condemnation  of  Christ. 

Barabbas,  as  it  were,  represents  the  first  Adam  and 
his  whole  sinful  progeny.  As  this  Barabbas  w^as  a 
rebel,  so  likewise  was  Adam ;  and  in  him  all  man- 
kind were  guilty  of  rebellion  against  God.  As  Ba- 
rabbas was  a  murderer,  so  Adam,  as  it  were,  mur- 
dered all  his  posterity,  by  subjecting  them  to  the  sen- 
tence of  temporal  and  eternal  death.  As  Barabbas 
had  hitherto  lain  in  bonds  and  chains ;  so  the  whole 
human  race  naturally  lies  captive  under  the  power, 
of  satan,  and  bound  with  the  chains  of  sin.  More- 
over, on  Adam  and  all  his  posterity  was  this  sentence 
denounced,  and  was  to  have  been  executed,  '  On  the 
day  thou  eatest  thereof,  thou  shalt  surely  die;'  and  this 
was  not  only  a  temporal,  but  an  eternal  death.  But 
as  Barabbas  is  here,  as  it  were,  exchanged  for  Jesus  ; 
as  the  former  is  set  at  liberty,  and  the  latter  cruci- 
fied ;  so  is  the  first  Adam  with  all  his  descendants 
exchanged  for  the  second  Adam,  who  stood  in  their 
stead.  He  is  sentenced  to  death;  and  they  are  dis- 
charged.    This  is  the  incomprehensible  mystery  of 


THE     TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  9^ 

Divine  love,  in  which  justice  imd  mercy  ha\'e  hissed 
each  other,  and  joined  in  the  most  amiiible  harmony. 
Justice  is  satisfied  ;  since  the  sc  nlence  of  de;ith  M'liich 
it  had  pronounced  is  executed,  though  not  on  the 
sinner,  but  on  the  surety.  Mercy  may  receive  the 
sinner  into  favour,  and  set  him  at  liberty ;  since  the 
surety  permitted  the  sentence  of  death  to  be  vicari- 
ously executed  on  himself.  O  miracle  of  love,  which 
it  becomes  us  humbly  to  admire,  and  gratefully  to 
adore  !  H©vv  can  we  sufficiently  praise  our  merciful 
Saviour,  for  thus  standing  as  a  victim  in  our  stead, 
and  submitting  to  be  sentenced  to  death,  against  the 
hideous  outcries  of  an  outiTigeous  multitude! 

But  let  us  be  very  careful  that  we  do  not  act  over 
again  this  tragedy,  which  the  impious  Jews  acted 
here.  We  have  within  us  a  BiU"abbas,  namely,  the 
old  mail,  who  is  a  rebel  against  the  Divine  IMajesty, 
and  a  transgressor  of  his  commands,  and  conse- 
quently deserves  to  be  crucified.  Far  be  ii  from  us, 
that  by  suffering  him  to  live,  we  should  crucify  the 
Son  of  God  afresh  by  our  sins.  Far  be  it  from  us, 
to  fulfil  the  wicked  lusts  of  the  flesh,  and  to  suppress 
the  good  motions  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Far  be  it  from 
us,  by  continuance  in  sin,  to  spare  the  old,  and  do 
violence  to  the  new  man.  Lastly,  far  be  it  from  us 
to  deliver  a  criminal,  out  of  an  abject  fear  of,  or  com- 
plaisance to  man,  and  to  injure  a  true  member  and 
laithful  servant  of  Christ.  May  the  Lord  of  all  mercy 
ever  preserve  us  from  treading  in  these  footsteps  of 
Pilate  and  the  Jews !     Amen. 

THE    PIlAYEll. 

O  faithfi:l  and  ever-living  Saviour  !  blessed  be 
thy  holy  name  for  thy  goodness  i  n  standing  as  a  vic- 
tim in  our  stead,  and  submitting  to  be  condemned  to 
die,  that  we  might  be  happily  acquitted  We  adore 
this  thy  stupendous  love,  and  humbly  beseech  thee 
to  make  us  partakers  of  all  the  salutary  fruits  of  it. 
Make  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  in  our  minds  of 


1(>0    Christ's  sufferings  before 

this  astonisfiing  exchange,  and  thereby  powerfully 
unite  us  the  more  cordially  to  love  thee,  the  great 
purchaser  of  our  freedom,  and  to  order  our  whole 
lives  according  to  thy  good  pleasure  May  we  on 
the  other  hand,  by  godly  sorrow  and  repentance,  mor- 
tify our  old  man  as  already  condemned  in  thy  con- 
demnation ;  and  so  deprive  him  of  all  his  power,  that 
he  may  never  recover  his  dominion  over  us,  but  that 
thy  holy  spirit  may  live  and  dwell  in  us.  Thus  for 
the  great  travail  of  thy  soul,  Avhich  thou  didst  under- 
go for  our  sake,  thou  mayest  have  pleasure  in  us  as 
thy  redeemed,  and  receive  us  into  the  mansions  of 
bliss  and  glory.     Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  XII. 

THE    INDIGNITIES   WHICH    i  H  E  LOR  D  JESUS 
SUIFERED  IN    PILaTE's  JUDGMENT-HALL. 

*  THEN  Pilate  therefore  took  Jesus  and  scourged 
Iiim.  And  the  soldiers  of  the  governor  led  Jesus 
iiway  into  the  common-hall,  and  they  called  together 
the  whole  band.  And  they  stripped  him,  and  clothed 
him  in  a  purple  robe.  And  when  they  had  platted 
a  crown  of  thorns,  they  put  it  about  his  head,  and  a 
reed  in  his  right  hand  ;  and  they  mocked  him,  and 
began  to  salute  him,  saying  hail  king  of  the  Jews  I 
And  they  did  spit  upon  liim,  and  took  the  reed 
and  smote  him  on  the  head,  and  bowing  the  knee, 
worshipped  him  :  And  they  smote  him  with  thi  ir 
hands,'  (Matt,  xxvii.  27,  30.  Mark  xv.  16 — 19. 
John  xix.  1,  2,  3.) 

In  these  words  we  have  an  account  of  the  shock- 
ing indignities,  which  the  Lord  Jesus  sufiered  in 
Pilate's  j'udgment-hall. 

Hitherto  our  blessed  Saviour,  had  been  since  in 
tb.e  governor's  house,  was  free  from  any  rude  insults. 
Pilate  had  zealously  laboured  to  deliver  him  out  of 
the   liands  of  his  b  lood-thirsty  eneinies.     He  had 


THE   TRIBUNAL  OF  PILATE,.  lOl 

auccessively  given  them  several  testimonies  of  his 
innocence  by  repeated  declarations ;  and  though  he 
had  proposed  to  chastise  Jesus  and  then  let  him  go, 
no  violence  had  as  yet  been  offered  to  him.  But  a 
more  cruel,  blood}",  and  moving  scene  now  presents 
itself,  where  the  Son  of  God,  as  he  himself  had 
foretold,  is  delivered  up  into  the  hands  of  sinners, 
and  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  saA-age  and  merciless 
soldiers.  Let  us  thereibre,  with  an  attentive  and  sor- 
rowful mind,  consider  these  base  indignities  offered 
to  the  Lord  of  Glory.  Le  us  see  whcit  good  effect 
the  consideration  of  these  execrable  doings  will  pro- 
duce in  a  soul,  possessed  with  a  real  love  and  affec- 
tion for  his  crucifitd  Saviour. 

These  indignities,  which  our  blessed  Lord  here 
endured,  may  be  considerc^d  in  three  different  lights.. 

First,  As  they  were  painful. 

Secondly,  As  they  were  ludicrous. 

Thirdly,  As  they  shewed  the  utmost  contempt. 

I.  The  painful  indigiiities  which  our  Sa\iour  en- 
dured, were,  the  scourging,  the  crowning  him  with 
thorns,  and  the  rude  blows  of  the  soldiers. 

The  scourging  is  thus  described  by  ^t.  John  (John 
xix.  L),  '  Then  Pilate  therefore  took  Jesus,  and 
scourged  him.'  He  had  before  said  to  the  Jews^ 
*  Take  ye  him,  and  judge  him  according  to  your 
law  (Chap,  xviii.  31.)  ;'  but  as  the  Jews  had  declined 
this,  it  is  afterwards  said,  '  Then  Pilate  took  Jesus.' 

Alas  !  Pilate  would  never  have  taken  away  our 
Redeemer,  had  it  not  been  for  our  sins,  and  that  in- 
expressible love  which  his  hea\"enly  Father  bore  to 
the  human  race,  who  sent  him  down  from  his  ou'n 
bosom  ;  for  '  God  so  loved  the  \vorld,  that  he  ga\  e 
his  only  begotten  Son,  and  delivered  him  up  for  us 
all,'  (John  iii.  16.  Rom.  viii.  32.)  One  is  here  taken 
as  a  ransom  for  all ;  and  suffers  death,  that  all  the 
rest  may  be  pardoned. 

Thanks  -be  to  thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  who,  for 
my  salvation,  hast  sent  thy  beloved  Son,  and  given 


102  Christ's  sufferings  before 

liim  up  to  be  reviled,  insulted  and  put  to  death? 
Thanks  be  to  thee,  ()  Son  of  the  Father,  who  didst 
permit  thyself  to  be  led  away,  which,  by  the  least 
exertion  of  thy  Almighty  power,  thou  couldest  have 
easily  prevented.  O  thou  most  precious  gift  of 
heaven !  preserve  me,  that  I  may  never  treat  thee 
with  such  levity  and  contempt  as  Pilate  did  ;  but 
rather  that  in  humble  faith  and  pure  love,  I  may 
stretch  out  my  hand  and  lay  hold  on  thee  as  my  sal- 
vation. Grant  also  that  all,  who  have  laid  hold  of 
thee  in  true  faith,  may  diligently  keep  thy  conmriand- 
ments,  and  walk  worthy  of  thy  gospel,  (Col.  ii.  6.) 

When  Pilate  had  taken  our  blessed  >.aviour,  and 
carried  him  into  his  Judgment-hall,  the  Evangelists 
tell  us  that  he  scourged  him.  It  is  not  to  be  suppo- 
sed, that  Pilate  scourged  Jesus  with  his  own  hands, 
since  this  would  have  been  an  action  much  beneath 
his  dignity.  He  only  ordered  the  soldiers  to  scourge 
him;  for  what  one  person  causes  to  be  done  by 
another,  is  justly  imputed  to  him  that  commands  it, 
as  if  he  himself  had  done  it  (Acts  ii.  23.  iii.  15.  xxi. 
t24,  25.)  Let  all  those  who  seduce  others  to  sin,  and 
cither  by  their  command,  advice,  or  evil  example, 
promote  wicked  and  unjust  proceedings,  take  notice 
of  this  ;  and  be  well  assured,  that  every  act  of  injus- 
tice, every  sin  which  has  been  committed  by  their 
persuasion  or  authority,  sliall  be  placed  to  their  ac- 
count, and  that  they  shall  one  day  be  punished  for 
those  sins  by  the  righteous  Judge  of  all  flesh. 

But  the  Lord  Jesus  was  not  only  beaten  with  rods, 
which  was  reckoned  the  least  ignominious  by  the  Ro- 
mans ;  but  with  thongs  or  cords,  a  punishment  pecu- 
liar to  the  meanest  slaves ;  especially  those  who  were 
sentenced  to  be  crucified.  For  this  end,  the  criminal 
was  not  laid  on  the  ground,  and  stretched  out  as 
among  the  Jews  (Deut.  xxv.  2.)  but  he  stood  with 
l)is  hands  bound,  and  fastened  to  a  post  or  pillar  ;  so 
that  both  the  breast  and  back  were  exposed.  Then 
the  soldiers  appointed  to  execute  this  punishment. 


THE   TRIBUNAL    OF  TILATE.  lOS, 

usually  scourged  him  on  the  naked  back  widi  thongs, 
to  the  ends  of  which  pieces  of  iron- wire  were  some- 
times tacked. 

God  hadexpressly  ordered  the  Jews  (Dent,  xxv.3.) 
that  they  should  not  give  a  malefactor  more  than  forty 
stripes ;  but  among  the  Romans,  the  number  of  stripes 
was  not  limited,  but  given  according  to  the  crime  of 
which  the  maleiactor  had  been  guilty,  and  the  dis- 
cretion of  the  judge.  It  is  not  to  be  doubted,  but  that 
these  cruel  and  impious  soldiers  now  inflicted  this 
punishment  with  the  utmost  severity ;  for  they  had 
no  orders  to  spare  tl>e  Scscred  body  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
On  the  contnay,  Pilate  by  thus  scourging  our  bles- 
sed Lord,  which  usually  preceded  crucifixion,  might 
possibly  direct  that  Jesus  should  be  severely  scourged, 
with  this  view,  viz.  that  ihe  sight  of  his  lacerated 
body,  covered  with  sanguine  torrents,  might  move 
the  hard  hearted  Jews  to  pity  the  prisoner,  and  to  de- 
sist from  their  obstinacy  in  opposi'^g  his  releasement. 
Hence  it  may  be  easily  conceived,  with  what  inhuman 
fury  this  scourging  was  executed.  The  soldiers 
probably  had  their  thongs  interv/oven  with  iron-wire 
so  that  they  not  only  fetched  blood,  but  even  tore  the 
flesh  from  the  bones.  This  appears  the  mo.e  pro- 
bable, as  our  blessed  Saviour  was  so  infeebled  by  this 
scourging,  that  afterwards  he  liLid  not  strength 
enough  to  drag  his  cross  to  the  place  of  execution. 

Thus,  O  my  Saviour,  thine  own  prophepy,  namely, 
*They  shall  scourge  the  man,  (Luke  xviii,  32.)  was 
fulfilled  and  written  in  letters  of  blood  on  tliy  sacred 
back.  Thus  was  accomplished  vv  hat  thou  didst  fore- 
tel  by  the  mouth  of  the  prophet,  namely,  '  I  gave  my 
back  to  the  smiters,'  (Isaiah  1,  6,)  But,  O  blessed 
Redeemer,  why  must  Thou  thus  present  thy  sacred- 
back  ■?  It  was  I  that  have  turned  my  back  on  my 
Creator,  and  consequently  was  to  have  received  these 
stripes  ;  it  was  I  that  deserved  to  have  felt  the  scourge 
of  the  Divine  wrath  to  all  eternitv.  But  thou,  O 
merciful  Son  of  the  Father,  didst  stimd  in  the  stead 


l04  CliRIST's   SUFFERINGS  BEFORE 

of  thy  guilty  servant,  and  receivest  the  strokes  which 
were  due  to  my  sins.  Praised  be  thy  name  for  every 
istripe  thou  didst  receive  ;  every  drop  of  thy  sacred 
blood,  which  was  thus  barbarously  shed  by  the 
inliunian  soldiers !  But  this  thy  heavenly  Father  has 
appointed  to  be  the  healing  balsam  for  the  wounds  of 
my  conscience.  Whenever  I  am  tempted  to  sin,  let 
me  think  on  these  sufferings,  and  let  mine  eyes  run 
down  with  penetential  tears.  .'\nd  though  thou  dost 
not  require  that  I  should  scourge  and  lacerate  my 
body,  as  a  punishment  for  my  sins ;  yet  enable  me, 
that,  according  to  thy  precepts,  I  may  by  repentance 
daily  crucify  the  flesh  with  its  aftections  and  lusts, 
break  its  stubborn  will  and  mortify  its  deeds.  But 
if,  in  following  thee  I  should  l)e  honoured  with  stripes 
for  thy  name  sake,  enable  me  to  receive  the  strokes 
with  the  same  joy  as  thine  Apostles  did  (Acts  v.  41.) 
May  our  souls  be  healed  by  thy  meritorious  stripes, 
(Pet.  ii.  24.) 

The  second  painful  insult  oifered  to  the  Son  of 
God,  M'as  the  crowning  him  with  thorns.  The  rage 
and  cruelty  of  the  soldiers  was  not  satisfied  by  the 
bloody  furrows,  which  th^y  had  plowed  on  our  Savi- 
our's back.  They  do  not  spare  his  sacred  head, 
but  make  a  wreath  of  thorns,  and  press  it  on  his  head, 
so  that  the  prickles  were  forced  into  his  temples 
among  the  veins  with  ^vhich  those  parts  abound,  and 
the  blood  ran  down  his  lace  in  purple  streams. 

Here  a  faithful  soul  may  say,  Fresh  fountains  of 
blood  are  opened  to  wash  away  the  stains  and  pollu- 
tions, which  I  have  contracted.  It  was  the  order  of 
my  Creator,  that,  after  the  Fall,  the  ground  should 
bring  forth  thorns  and  thistles,  as  a  token  of  the  curse. 
Here  therefore,  I  now  see  him  who  is  crowned  witli 
thorns  as  it  were  clothed  in  my  curse,  to  procure  me 
the  blessing.  Here  I  see  the  ram  that  was  to  be  of- 
fered in  my  stead,  as  it  were,  caught  in  a  thicket 
(Gen.  xxii.  13.)  Alas!  the  wild  uncultivated  soil  of 
my  heart  naturally  bears  nothing  but  thorns  <Uld  this- 


=THE     TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  105' 

ties.  O  my  Saviour!  how  many  seeds  of  thy  divi'ie 
truths  have  !^een  choaked  with  the  thorns  of  worldly 
solicitud*  s,  which  I  have  suffered  to  take  root  in  my 
soul,  so  that  they  could  not  grow  up  to  bear  fruit  in 
due  season.  As  thy  head  was  here  stuck  with  thorns, 
so  would  my  soul  have  been  incessantly  tortured  Vvitli 
the  goads  of  an  evil  conscience,  and  torn,  as  it  were 
with  thorns  and  briars  (Judges  viii.  7,  16.)  HoW; 
amazing  is  thy  love,  O  my  Saviour !  When  a  regal 
crown  was  offered  thee  by  the  Jewish  people,  thon 
didst  fly  from  it  ;  but  thou  didst  willingly  bow  thy 
sacred  head  under  a  crown  of  thorns,  hereby  connrm-- 
ing  the  testimony  that  thou  hast  given,  that  thy  king- 
dom is  not  of  this  world. 

The  third  painful  indignity  v/hich  our  blessed 
Saviour  endured  was  likewise  from  the  soldiers,  ^v"hose 
frequent  blows  bruised  his  sacred  face  and  head,  and 
drove  the  thorns  deeper  into  his  temples  ;  so  that  it 
would  have  been  no  wonder,  if  under  such  inexpres- 
sible pains,  embittered  by  insult,  he  had  fainted  away. 
This  must  naturally  have  been  the  case,  had  not  the 
divinity  within  him  supported  him,  and  reserved  hirft 
for  still  greater  tortures. 

O  my  Saviour,  these  insulting  blows  were  to  JiavG 
fallen  on  me.     It  was  I  that  should  have  been  eter- 
nally under  the  buffetings  of  Satan  ;  but    thou,    my 
blessed  representative,  didst  take  them  on  thee,   and 
sufferedst  thyself  to  be  beaten,  like  a  despisable  slave, 
Aias  !  how  can  a  poor  worm  be  inflamed  with  anger 
at  the  least  blow,  and   account  it  an  affront  v.-hich 
must  be  avenged  bv  the  blood  of  the  offender  ?  where- 
i  j  as  thou,  who  art  King  of  kings,  and  the  Lord  of  glo- 
i '   ly,  hast  with  the  greatest  patience  and  serenity  suf- 
'  I  fered  these  repeated  indignities.     Thanks  be  to  thee, 
1   O  blessed  Jesus,   Vidio  by  all  these  painful  kinds  oh* 
I   suffering  didst  sanctify  my  pains  !  if  thou  shouidcst 
be  pleased  to  afflict  my  body  with  painful  sufferings, 
O  impart  to  me  that  p.itience  and  resignadon  which 
thou  didst  shew  on  this  occasion !  Alas  I  I  am  asfemed 

VOX;,    ir  o 


lOG  tlllllST's    SUFFERINGS    BEFORJ: 

of  my  impatience  imd  want  of  courage,  when  I  con- 
sider how  many  martyrs,  and  many  of  them  of  the 
weaker  sex,  have  for  thy  sake,  undergone  the  acutest 
pains,  and  the  most  cruel  tortures  which  infernal  ma- 
lice could  invent,  not  only  with  patience,  but  even 
with  joy  and  triumph.  *  Did  these  unresisting  inno- 
cent sheep  patienth^  suffer  such  inhuman  barbai'ities 
for  thy  sake,  O  thou  crucified  Saviour,  and  am  I  so 
fond  of  myself,  that  I  can  scarce  bear  an  insulting  look 
or  opprobrious  name  ?  O  strengthen  me  with  thy 
spirit,  and  arm  me  with  thy  courage,  constancy,  and 
patience,  that  I  may  be  able,  if  called  upon,  to  glo- 
rify thee  by  painful  sufferings. 

II  W^e  now  proceed,  in  the  next  place,  to  consider 
the  ludicrous  indignities  \\hich  were  offered  to  the 
immaculate  Lamb  of  God ;  and  these  mockeries 
consist  partly  in  actions,  and  partly  in  words. 

The  ludicrous  actions  all  tended  to  ridicule  the 
Kingly  office  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  As  his  Prophetic 
office  had  been  ridiculed  in  the  house  of  Caiaphas, 
by  blind-folding  him,  striking  him  with  the  palms  of 
their  hands,  and  then  saying  to  him,  Prophecy  unto 
us,  vvho  is  it  that  struck  thee ;  so  here  in  the  house 
of  the  civil  judge,  his  Rcg\:l  office  is  mocked  and  ri- 
diculed; and  thus  the  good  confession  which  he 
made  of  his  kingdom  before  Pilate,'  and  of  which 
these  scoffers  had  got  some  hint,  was  made  matter  of 
laughter,  and  insulting  mirth. 


*  '1  he  All  h or  here  eiiUmeratfs  the  variety  of  toriures  which 
•were  aftlict  d  on  the  priinit  ve  Martyrs  ;  bur  as  they  resemble 
those  refi-iCments  of  cruelty  which  were  lately  practised  in 
Prance  on  the  wretched  Damien.  I  have  omitted  them  as  too 
shocking  to  English  readers,  ^-hose  humanity  will  readily  excuse 
mcfor  drawing  a  veil  over  such  a  horrid  scene.  Whoever  has 
a  min  I  to  see  an  account  of  these  ii.humsn  barbarities  may  ron- 
suit  KoHTtiOLT's  Tractus  dc  penecutione  Eccl.  prim^va', 
Gallonious  £c    Sagittarius  Be    Crxiciatibus    MartyruTnt 


■XHE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.'  l(>7 

How  sensibly  must  this  prophane  mockery  have 
affected  our  blessed  S:iviour !  If  a  pious  Christian, 
who  has  a  due  esteem  ibr  the  honour  of  God's  word, 
is  pierced  to  the  heart  when  he  hears  divine  truths 
abused  by  the  ludicrous  tongues  of  prophane  scof- 
fers ;  O  how  was  the  soul  of  the  blessed  Jesus  picr^ 
ced,  at  hearing  these  miscreants  exercise  their  raille- 
ry on  this  sacred  decree  of  his  heavenly  Father,  '  I 
have  set  my  Kin^  upon  my  holy  hill  of  Sion,'  and 
striving  who  could  make  the  most  ludicrous  sar- 
casms on  his  glorious  confession,  that  he  was  a  King! 
Here  we  may  obser\e  tvro  circumstances,  ^^hich 
render  this  mockery  of  our  blessed  Lord  the  more 
criminal. 

First,  It  was  acted  in  the  vtvy  hall  of  judgment, 
in  the  palace  of  the  Imperial  governor.  It  gives  a 
keener  edge  to  abuse  and  injustice,  when  it  is  offered 
in  a  place  where  one  may  naturally  expect  to  find 
protection  and  succour.  How  must  he,  '  who  lov- 
eth  righteousness  and  hateth  iniquity,'  (Psalm  xlv.  7.) 
be  grieved  to  see  a  court  of  judgment  which  ought 
to  be  the  asylum  of  persecuted  righteousness,  iind 
oppressed  innocence,  changed  into  a  tlieatre  of  pro- 
phane mockeries  and  brutal  insolence  ? 

Secondly,  The  whok  c  )hort  of  the   I-'oman  sol- 
diers, which  consisted  of  several  hundreds,  was  here 
got  together ;  for  we  are  informed,  that  they  called 
together  the  whole  band.     The  affronts,  the  vexation 
and  sorrow  which  ten  inhuman  reprobates  may  cause 
to  a  good  man,  when  they  are  lej't  at   liberty  to  use 
him  at  discretion,  are  inexpressible  :  how  great  then 
must  have  been  the  outrages  committed  by  five  or  six 
hundred  rude    soldiers,  instigated  by  the  spirit  of 
malice  and  cruelty  I  The  Roman  soldiers  were  gene- 
rally the  most   abandoned   among  that  people,  and 
openly  committed  all  sorts  of  crimes,  witliout   so 
much  as  the  shadow  of  a  natural  modesty  or  \'irrue. 
They  were  trained  up  in  their  natural  licentiousness, 
and  immersed  in  all  kinds  of  ^A'ickedness.     W'ai^  tht; 


AOS  Christ's  sufferings  BEreiiE-- 

pious  Job  grieved  that  he  shouid  be  mocked  by  those 
whom  he  would  have  disdained  to  have  set  with  the 
dogs  of  his  flock?  (Psalm  xxx.  i.)  How  must  it 
have  affected  the  blessed  Jesus,  to  be  given  up  to  the 
outrages  of  such  a  swarm  of  riotous  soldiers  !  Here 
the  meek  Lamb  of  God  stood  surrounded  with  ra- 
vening wolves.  Here,  for  our  sake,  the  only  begot- 
ten Son  of  God  was  delivered  into  the  hands  of  sin- 
ners. 

O  my  Saviour,   may  a  pious  Christian  say,  thy 
love  to  mankind  must  have  been  infinite,  which  could 
bring  thee  tc^  a  resolution  of  undergoing  such  mmn- 
berless  abuser,  and  horrid  outrages,  for  thy  sake  I 
Endless  thanks  be  ascribed  to  thee  for  humbling  thy- 
self so  low,  that  I  might  in  due  time  be  exalted. — 
Praised  be  thy  name,  for  suffering  thyself  to  be  re- 
viled and  insulted  by  the  very  refuse  of  mankind,  that 
I  might  be   glorified  with  thy   saints.     Unfeigned 
thanks  be  to  thee,  for  suffering  thyself  to  be  brought 
into  the  council  of  the  ungodly,  that  I  might  be  de- 
livered from  their  company,  and  advanced   to  the 
assem^bly  of  the  first-born,  whose  names  are  written 
in  heaven.     !Mcike  me  also  willing,  through  the  know- 
ledge of  this  thine  inconceivable  love,  to  submit  tor 
thy  sake  to  abuse,  and  to  be  mocked  and  insulted  for 
thy  name,  not  only  by  my  superiors,  but  even  by  the 
meanest  of  the  people.     Arm  me  with  thy  spirit  of 
patience,   when   the   undiscerning   world  insolently 
mocks  that  hidden  glory  which  I  have  in  thee,  and 
ti'eats  me  as  a  despised  laughing-stock.     Thou  hast 
Sanctified  my   reproach ;  grant  therefore  that  I  may 
bear  it  with  joy,  and  infinitely  prefer  it  to  the  sinful 
pleasures  and  honours  of  the  world. 

But  let  us  particularly  consider  the  several  kinds 
of  ludicrous  indignities  U'hich  the  Lord  Jesus  en- 
dured. 

1.  The  rude  soldiers,  instead  of  a  golden  crown, 
or  a  wreath  of  laurel  or  ivy,  which  generals  and  con- 
quei'crs  in  those  times  used  tg  wear,  contemptuously 


THE      TllIBUNAL     OF    PILATE';  109 

bound  his  sacred  temples  with  a  crow^n  of  thorns  ; 
now  this  was  not  only  extremely  painful,  as  we  have 
observed  above,  but  likewise  implied  a  most  abusive 
mockery.  For,  b>  this  thorny  wreath,  tlie  soldiers 
ironically  signified,  that  Christ  had  deserved  no  bet- 
ter by  his  extraordinary  atchievements,  Sec. 

2.  They  put  on  him  a  purple  mantle,  or  a  scarlet 
robe.  Everv  common  soldier  among  the  Romr.ns 
anciently  wore  a  mantle  or  upper  garment  over  his 
whole  armour.  But  the  colour  of  this  robe,  wliich 
according  to  St.  Matthew  was  scarlet,  and,  accord- 
ing to  St.  Mark  and  St.  John,  purple,  sufficiently 
shewed  that  it  had  belonged  to  none  of  the  common 
soldiers,  but  to  some  general  officer.  Now  purple, 
under  which  general  n.:me  scarlet  was  also  compre- 
hended, was  a  colour  used  only  by  kings  and  persons 
of  the  highest  distinction.  Thus  the  soldiers  intend- 
ed a  further  insult  on  the  kingly  dignity  of  our  bles- 
sed Saviour,  by  clothing  him  in  an  old  c;^st-off  robe 
that  had  belonged  to  some  person  of  distinction,  as 
Herod  had  before  clothed  him  in  a  gorgeous  robe. 

3.  Instead  of  a  sceptre  or  truncheon,  which  the 
generals  among  the  Romans  also  usually  bore,  they 
put  a  reed  in  his  hand  ;  to  denote  that  his  kingdom, 
which  he  boasted  of  before  Pilate,  and  which  St.  P  ul 
justly  terms  '  a  kingdom  which  cannot  be  moved,' 
(Heb.  xii.  28.)  was  a  weak  and  uai,table  kingdom.,- 
and  that  for  his  subjects  to  expect  any  protection  from 
him  was  to  lean  on  a  broken  reed,'  (Isa.  xxxvi.  G.) 

4.  After  the  soldiers  had  thus  dressed  him  up  as  a 
mock-king,  they  bow  the  knee  before  him,  pretend- 
ing to  him  homage,  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
Orientals,  &c.  when  they  approached  sovereign  prin- 
ces. 

These  insulting  mockeries  were  accompanied  with 
ridiculing  words  and  taunting  reflections,  which  were 
likewise  levelled  at  Christ's  kingly  dignity.  For  as 
the  Romans  used  to  say  to  their  ^rmperors.  Hail  Ce- 
sar ;  so  these  niiscreanls,  with  a  ludicrous  tone  and 


.110  -CJirvIST'S    SUFFERINGS'   BEFORE 

gesture,  cried  out,  '  Hail  Kir.g  of  the  Jews!*  a  title 
which  they  hiid  borrowed  from  Pilate,  who,  in  his 
expostulations  with  their  cliicf  Priests  and  people,  had 
often  called  Jesus  the   '  King  of  the  Jews.' 

'i'hanks  be  to  thee  my  Saviour,  may  a  pious  Chris- 
tian say,  for  suffering  thy  sacred  head  to  be  disgraced 
with  a  mock-crown  of  thorns,  that  my  head  might 
be  adorned  with  the  wreath  of  victory  over  sin,  death, 
and  the  grave,  and  my  temples  surrounded  \vith  a 
crown  of  glory  that  fadcth  not  away  ! 

Thanks  be  to  thee  for  permitting  thyself  to  be  dis- 
guised in  the  mock  pageantr}'  of  a  purple  robe,  that 
1  might  be  arrayed  in  the  ^\•hite  robe  of  innocence., 
and  be  clothed  with  immort  tlity. 

Thanks  be  to  thee,  \\  ho  didst  permit  a  reed  to  be 
put  into  thy  hand,  instead  of  a  sceptre  of  righteous- 
jiess,  which  is  the  sceptre  of  thy  kingdom,  to  denote 
that  thou  wilt  not  break  the  bruised  reed  that  is  com- 
mitted to  thy  care,  and  wilt  suffer  no  man  to  pluck  it 
out  of  thy  hand,  (John  x.  28.) 

Thanks  be  to  thee  for  suffering  thyself  to  be  mock- 
ed by  an  ironical  salutation,  and  bowing  of  the  knee! 
What  they  did  in  railing  I  will  do  out  of  a  religious 
awe  to  the  divine  majesty.  I  throw  myself  prostrate 
at  thy  ieet.  I  adore  th}  glorious  majesty,  to  which 
e\'ery  knee  shall  bow.  1  \AdHingly  do  homage  to 
thee,  thou  King  of  kings  !  I  kiss  thy  righteous  scep- 
tre.    Hail  King  of  saints  and  Lord  of  Glory  ! 

III.  We  come,  in  the  last  place,  to  consider  the 
contemptuous  indignities  which  were  offered  to  our 
blessed  Lord  ;  and  these  v.  ere  as  follows  : 

i.  They  stripped  the  Lord  of  glory  of  his  gar- 
ments, and  exposed  his  holy,  pure,  and  undefiled 
body,  the  tabernacle  of  the  Deity,  naked  before  such 
an  insolent  and  profligate  rabble.  For  it  was  a  cus- 
tom among  the  Romans,  previously  to  strip  those 
who  were  to  be  scourged.  Here,  alas,  was  verified 
that  mournful  prophecy  concerning  the  Messiah  in 
the  Psalms,  (Psalm  Ixix.  20.)  '  Reproaghhath  bro^ 


THE     TRIBUNAL    «i?       lULATE.  Ill 

)ten  my  heart,  and  I  am  I'liil  of  heaviness  :  I  looked 
for  some  to  take  pity,  but  there  v.as  i:ionc,  and  ibr 
comforters,  but  I  found  none.' 

When  a  pious  Christian  refieets  on  this,  he  can- 
not fail  to  e:ive  vent  to  his  gratitude  in  these  or  the 
like  words:  Eternal  thanks  be  aseribed  to  thee,|0  my 
Saviour,  who  did  tluis  expiate  the  disgrace  of  my 
nakedness,  and  again  obtain  for  me  the  robe  of  in- 
nocence which  1  had  lost  by  the  fall.  Grant  that  I 
may  not  suffer  thee  to  wander  about  naked  in  thy 
poor  members,  by  refusing  to  clothe  them  when  it 
is  in  my  power  to  do  it. 

2.  Another  reproachful  abuse  was,  that  they  spit  ia 
our  Saviour's  face.  The  same  indignity  had  already 
been  offered  hiin  in  Caiphas's  house,  where  some  of 
the  members  of  the  Sunhedrim,  after  Jesus  had  de- 
clared himself  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  had  spit  onhim  ; 
and  their  wicked  example  had  been  immediately  fol- 
lowed by  the  officers  of  the  court.  This  was  such 
a  base  insult  as  could  scarce  be  exceeded.  O  ho\V 
must  the  amiable  benign  countenance  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  have  been  disfigured  with  streaminr: 
blood,  cruel  bruises,  and  the  nauseous  spittle  of  this 
insolent  rabble. 

^  O  my  Redeemer,  may  a  pious  Christian  here  say, 

did  it  cost  thee  so  many  indignities  to  obt  un  for  me 

the  favour  of  lifting  up  my  lace   before  God,   with 

confidence  and  joy  ?  O  thou  express  imape  of  the  fa- 

ther,  thou  corporeal   representative  of  the   invisible 

God,  hast  thou,  for  my  sake,  suffered  that  glorious 

face  to  be  spit  on,   whose  effulgence   shone   like  the 

m.eridiansun  on  the  mount  of  transfiguration  ?  How 

shall  I  sufficiently   adore  thy   stupendous  love,  and 

amazing  condescension  !   May  that  face,  which    was 

then  covered  with    siiameful  spitting,  present  itself 

to  me  in  the  hour  of  death  5  and  do  thou  comfort  and 

animate  my  soul  at  that  dark  crisis  wich  the  liglit  of 

thy  countenance.    Let  it  be  to  mc  a  pledge  thatj^how- 

ever  my  li\ce  may  be  tkUcn  and  disfigured  m  death, 


Ii2  Christ's  sufterings  before- 

©n  the. day  of  resurrection  it  shall  shine  like  the  sim,*. 
and  be  made  like  to  thy  glorious  face,  which  now 
beams  forth  heavenly  radiance  in  the  mansions  of 
bliss.  How  then  can  1  sufficiently  praise  thee  for 
all  the  marks  of  thy  love,  patience,  and  lonff-suffering-^ 
which,  for  the  atonement  of  my  sins,  and  as  a  pattern 
for  my  imitation,  thou  didst  shew  under  all  these  pain- 
ful abuses,  and  contemptuous  indignities  ! 

THE     rilAYKR. 

Eternal  thanks  and  endless  praise  be  to  thee, 
Q  Lamb  of  God,  who  in  obedience  to  thy  heavenly 
Father,  and  out  of  thy  unspeakable  love  to  our  souls, 
didst  enter  on  such  a  series  of  sufferings,  xvhich  we, 
at  this  distance  of  time,  cannot  contemplate  without 
shuddering.  Ho^v  should  we  have  behaved  had  we, 
in  thy  stead,  been  destined  to  endure  such  pains,  such 
mockery,  such  insults,  and  abuses  ?  How  should  we 
have  opened  our  mouths,  and  poured  forth  invectives 
and  threatenings  ?  But  thou  didst  stand  like  a  Lamb, 
that  openeth  not  his  mouth.  No  threatenings  or  rail- 
ings came  from  thy  sacred  lips.  Lvery  one  was  al- 
lowed to  vent  his  m  Jicious  rage  aga-nst  thee,  every 
one  was. allowed  to  insult  and  to  strike  thee  ;  yet  all 
the  pains,  all  the  insults  and  mockeries,  thou  didst 
patiently  endure  as  from  the  hands  of  thy  righteous 
Father.  The  outrageous  waves  of  insults  and  indig- 
nities thou  didst  ptrniit  to  pass  over  thy  tranquil 
heart ;  being  certai*  that  iht  Father  would  deliver 
thee  from  this  hour,  w^ould  crown  thee  with  praise 
and  honour,  and  command  every  knee  to  bow  at  thy 
sacred  name.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  this  part  of  thy 
sufferings  may  not  only  occasion  a  mere  transitory 
emotion  in  our  minds,  that  will  vanish  at  the  first  ap- 
pearance of  temptation  ;  but  that  it  may  make  an  in- 
deliable  impression  on  our  hearts.  Biess  this  pnrt  of 
thy  sufferings  to  all  our  souls.  May  it  be  a  terror  to 
the  seciire,  the  licentious,  and  impenitent,  that  they 
may  hence  learn  what  sin  is,  and  how  severely  it  has 


THE  TRIBUNAL  OF  PILATE.  113 

heen  punished  in  thy  sacred  person.  Let  it  be  also  a 
comfort  to  the  humble,  contrite,  and  troubled  spirit, 
that  it  may  in  faith  lay  hold  on  the  merits  of  thes«' 
thy  manifold  sufferings,  and  be  made  willing  to  ibl- 
low  thee  through  reproach  and  insults.  Grant  this 
for  the  sake  of  thy  love.     Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  XIII. 

A    TARTHEU    ATTEMPT    OF    PILATE    TO    RELEASE 
CHRIST. 

*  PILATE  therefore  went  forth  again,  and  saith 
Hhto  the  Jews,  Behold,  I  bring  him  forth  unto  you, 
that  ye  may  know  that  I  find  no  fault  in  him.  Then 
eame  Jesus  forth,  wearing  the  crown  of  thorns,  and 
the  purple  robe.  And  Pilate  saith  unto  them,  Be- 
hold the  man !  When  the  chief  Priests  therefoi^  and 
officers  saw  him,  the_v  cried  out,  saying,  Crucify  him! 
crucify  him  !  Pilate  saith  unto  them,  Take  ye  him, 
and  crucify  him  ;  for  1  find  no  fault  in  him.  Tlie 
Jews  answered  him.  We  have  a  law,  and  by  our  law 
he  ought  to  die,  because  he  made  himself  the  Son  of 
God,'  (John  xix.  4—7.) 

In  these  words  we  have  an  accoimt  of  a  new  at- 
tempt made  by  Pilate  to  release  tlie  Lord  Jesus.  We 
^ihall 

First,  Consider  the  means  he  used  to  compass  it. 

Secondly,  The  effect  produced  by  those  means. 

I.  The  means  Pilate  made  use  of  wcvg  as  follows. 

First,  He  again  gives  testimony  of  the  innocence 
©f  Jesus. 

Secondly,  He  presents  the  Lord  Jesus  to  the  Jews 
in  a  very  deplorable  condition,  in  order  to  move  their 

First,  Pilate  gave  a  repeated  public  testimony  of 
our  blessed  Saviour's  innocence.  For  this  end,  Pi- 
kte  goes  out  of  hts  hall  of  judgment ;  for  it  ra  gaid 

VOL.    JI.  j) 


Il4  CHRIST'S    SUFFERINGS    BEFORE 

above  by  the  Evangelist,  (verse  4.)  *  Pilate  therefofd 
went  forth  again.'  However,  Pilate  was  very  unsuc- 
cessful ;  for  he  moves  from  place  to  place,  tries  seve- 
ral expedients ;  and  yet  miscarries  in  every  one  of 
them .  This  i s  a  D i v ine  j  udgment,  that  those  schemes 
which  are  planned  in  opposition  to  God's  decrees, 
should  prove  abortive.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
Psalmist  tells  us,  that  '  whatsoever  the  just  man  doeth 
shall  prosper,'  (Psalm  i.  3.) 

When  Pilate  was  gone  out  of  the  hall,  and  had 
taken  the  blessed  Jesus  with  him,  he  addressed  the 
Jews  in  these  words,  '  Behold  I  bring  him  forth  unto 
vou,  that  ve  mav  know  that  I  fmd  no  fault  in  him.* 
Pilate  had,  indeed,  before  given  orders  that  Barabbas 
should  be  released,  and  delivered  Jesiis  to  be  cruci- 
fied ;  being  urged  by  the  vehement  outcries  of  the 
people.  For  that  end,  he  had  ordered  our  blessed 
Saviour  to  be  cruelly  scourged  by  the  soldiers,  ac- 
cording to  the  Roman  custom,  as  a  prelude  to  the  ex- 
ecution. But  his  conscience  still  struggled  against 
putting  an  innocent  person  to  death ;  and  he  is  for 
ti-ying,  whether  Jesus  might  be  released  even  after 
he  had  been  scourged,  without  undergoing  any  far- 
ther punishment.  Pilate  therefore  pretends  that  he 
had  made  use  of  the  scourge,  as  a  kind  of  torture,  in 
order  to  extort  from  the  prisoner  a  confession  of  his 
most  secret  practices ;  but  assures  the  people,  that 
after  a  most  severe  scourging,  he  can  find  no  man- 
ner of  fault  in  him. 

Divine  Providence  certainly  over- ruled  this  re- 
markable circumstance,  and  ordered  that  Pilate,  after 
such  an  inhuman  abuse  of  our  blessed  Saviour  by  the 
hands  of  his  soldiers,  should  again  make  a  public  de- 
claration of  his  innocence,  the  knowledge  of  which  is 
to  be  looked  on  as  the  most  important  article  in  the 
history  of  our  Saviour's  passion.  For  by  this  means^ 
the  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world  is  present- 
ed by  Pilate  to  the  priests  of  the  Jewish  people,  in 
its  spotless  innocence,  according  to  the  law  j  so  that, 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  114* 

Jbefore  it  is  slain,  they  may  themselves  take  a  view  of 
it,  and  see  that  it  is  without  blemish. 

But  the  heavenly  Father  never  would  have  permit- 
ted his  beloved  Son  to  have  been  thus  barbarously 
treated  by  the  Roman  soldiers,  if  no  trespasses  had 
been  imputed  to  him.  Though  the  eyes  ofthe  Roman 
judge  were  utterly  incapable  of  seeing  into  this  mys 
tery  ;  yet  the  holy  spirit  assures  us  (2  Cor.  v.  21.) 
'That  God  has  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew 
no  sin.'  Hence  Christ  is  likewise  termed,  '  the 
I^amb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world.* 
(John  i.  29  )  It  was  for  our  sins  therefore,  that  tlie 
Son  of  the  Most  High  was  insulted  and  reviled,  was 
crowned  with  thorns,  buffeted  and  cruelly  scourged. 
Though  the  civil  judge  could  find  no  fault  in  him  ; 
yet,  as  our  surety,  was  held  guilty  at  the  divine  tri- 
bunal of  all  the  crimes,  which  the  whole  race  of  man- 
kind had  ever  committed.  This .  was  the  motive 
which  induced  the  supreme  judge  of  the  world  to 
give  this  delegate  judge  the  power  of  thus  scourging 
his  only  Son,  since  all  the  sins  of  the  world  were  now 
imputed  to  him. 

Secondly,  Pilate  made  use  of  another  expedient 
to  prevent  the  execution  of  our  blessed  Lord;  and- 
this  was  to  present  the  blessed  Jesus  to  the  Jews  in 
a  very  deplorable  condition,  in  order  to  move  their 
pity  and  compassion.  Hitherto  our  blessed  Saviour 
had  been  scourged  and  abused  in  the  hall  of  judg- 
ment; but  now  Pilate  again  takes  him  out  of  the  hall 
and  presents  him  to  the  Jews.  After  he  had  endea- 
voured to  gain  over  the  people,  by  addressing  himself 
to  their  ears  by  a  public  testimony  of  our  Saviour's 
innocence,  he  now  places  the  blessed  Jesus  before 
their  cyesin  the  most  deplorable  condition,  in  hopes 
that  such  a  moving  spectacle  might  yet  kindle  in  their 
cold,  blood-thirsty  hearts,  some  small  spark  of  com- 
passion. For  this  purpose,  though  he  had  before 
ordered  the  old  purple  robe  to  be  put  on  the  Lord  Je- 
sus, it  was  now  probably  hung  o\er  his  shoulders  iri 


•XIG  OiliirSX's    SUPPiJRlNGS    BEFORE- 

such  a  loose  manner  when  he  presented  him  to  tlio 
people,  that  they  might  see  his  mangled  body,  cov- 
ered all  over  with  blood,  stripes,  and  bruises. 
The  Evangelists  here  mentions 

1.  The  appearance  which  our  blessed  Saviour  mad^ 
when  he  was  brought  forth  before  the  people. 

2.  The  words  which  Pilate  spoke  on  the  occasion. 

1 .  The  appearance  which  our  blessed  Lord  made  is 
described  in  these  words :  *  Then  came  Jesus  forth, 
wearing  the  crown  of  thorns  and  the  purple  robe.- 
Thus  it  appears,  that  the  wreath  of  thorns  which  had 
been  pressed  on  his  head  by  the  insolent  soldiers,  and 
the  old  purple  robe  which  had  been  hung  about  him 
by  the  \vay  of  ridicule,  were  not  taken  oif :  But  the 
Lord  Jesus  was  publicly  brought  forth  to  the  peo- 
ple with  these  marks  of  contempt ;  and  presented  to 
them  as  a  king,  who  had  been  sufficient!}-  mortified 
and  chastized,  for  his  eifectation  of  sovereignty. — • 
Here  were  indeed  verified  these  words  of  Isaiah :  *  He 
hath  no  form  nor  comeliness  ;  and  when  we  shall  see 
him,  there  is  no  beauty,  that  we  should  desire  him.' 
(Isaiah  liii.  2.) 

2.  The  words  which  Pilate  spoke  on  this  occasion 
Were  as  follows  :  '  Behold  the  man  ! '  As  if  lie  had  said, 
see  what  a  deplorable  condition  this  unhappy  man  is 
in !  Allowing  that  he  has  been  guilty  of  some  petty 
crimes,  or  has  offended  you;  yet  now  has  he  been 
sufficiently  punished  for  it.  I  think  you  may  very 
well  putupwuth  such  a  bloody  satisfaction,  and,  at 
jcast,  spare  his  miserable  life.  Thus  Pilate  was 
for  moving  the  people  to  compassion,  though  he  him- 
self had  acted  an  unjust  and  unmerciful  part,  by  or- 
dering an  innocent  person  to  be  treated  witJi  such 
Ixirbaritv.  We  shall  here  make  the  followinc:  ob- 
■servations : 

1.  That  the  Saviour  of  the  world  was  exhibited  as 
a  spectacle  to  his  people,  ought  also  to  be  considered 
.IS  a  part  of  his  meritorious  sufferings. 


■THE   TRIBUNAL   OF  PILATE'.  ll'T 

The  Lord  Jesus  stood  here  full  of  pains  imd 
wounds,  and  seemed  outwardly  to  be  in  so  dreadful 
a  condition,  that  he  looked  more  like  a  despisable 
worm  than  a  man.  Hence  the  Messiah,  in  the  Psalms, 
(Psalm  xxii.  7,  8.)  as  it  were  contradicts  these  word^ 
of  his  judge,  behold  the  man,  saying,  '  I  am  a  worm, 
and  no  man  ;  a  reproach  of  men,  and  despised  of  the 
people.  All  they  that  see  me  laugh  me  to  scom  ; 
they  shoot  out  the  lip,  the}-  shake  their  head.'  But 
inwardly  his  soul  was  lifted  up  iii  continual  prayere 
and  ejaculations  to  his  Father ;  before  whom  he  here 
presented  himself  covered  with  blood  ar,d  jstiipes,  in 
order  to  move  his  paternal  tenderness  to  a  reconcil- 
iation with  us.  Kis  afflicted  soul  cried  out  much  lou- 
der to  his  heavenly  Father,  than  Pilate  did  to  the  peo- 
ple, Behold  the  man  !  the  man  who  sufiers  himself  to 
be  thus  inhumanly  treated  for  mCn ;  and  has  taken 
upon  him  the  punishment  which  they  deser\-ed,  that 
tliey  may  obtain  thy  pardon.  Father,  forgive  them 
the  debts  which  they  have  contracted,  and  in  acquit- 
tance of  them,  accept  of  the  blood  which  streams  Irom 
my  lacerated  body  !  Here  I  stand,  O  my  Father ! 
proceed  to  discharge  at  me  the  keen  aiTous  of  thy 
displeasure :  I  am  ready  to  present  myself  as  the 
mark  to  be  shot  at.  Is  it  thy  pleasure  that  I  should 
still  suffer  more  ?  Righteous  Father,  i  most  willing- 
ly and  from  my  heart  submit,  to  bear  all  thy  chastise- 
ments. Only  speak  the  word,  and  Avhatever  thou 
commandest,  that  will  I  do.  These  or  such  like 
thoughts  employed  our  blessed  Sa^•iour•s  serene 
mind  at  this  juncture.  At  the  same  time,  his  heart 
was  full  of  filial  confidence  in  his  hea\enly  Father, 
being  thoroughly  persuaded  that  he  would  deliver 
him  from  this  hour  of  ignominy  and  reproach  ;  that 
he  would  exhalt  him  to  the  highest  honour,  and  pre- 
sent him  to  be  adored  by  all  the  heavenly  host. 

Ikhold,  to  what  a  low  condition  the  Creator  of  all 
Avorlds  was  brought  by  our  sins !  It  was  on  us  his 
siirful  creatures  that  i,he  ?;entenrc  should  liTive  bee^i 


il8  Christ's  sufferings  before 

executed,  according  to  that  of  the  Prophet :  '  The 
men  that  have  transgressed  against  me  shall  be  an 
abhorring  unto  all  fiesh'  (Isaiah  Ixvi.  24.)  The  Son 
of  God,  on  the  contrary,  \vi\s  here  made  an  abhorring 
imto  all  flesh.  Oh,  what  an  abomination  must  sin 
l)e  in  the  eyes  of  God,  since  it  rendered  the  Son  of 
God,  manifested  in  the  flesh,  a  laughing-stock  and  an 
abhorrence  to  the  people  ! 

But,  at  tl>e  same  time,  this  aflfords  an  inexpressible 
comfort  to  the  faithful  servants  of  God,  when  in  this 
afilictive  circumstance  they  are  made  like  unto  the 
Son  of  God,  the  first  born  among  many  brethren,  and 
can  say  with  St.  Paul,  *•  We  are  made  a  spectacle  un- 
to the  world  ;'  (  1  Cor.  iv.  9.)  or,  as  tlie  same  Apos- 
tle says  of  the  Hebrew  Converts,  (Heb.  x.  33.)  when 
•  they  are  made  a  gazing-stock  both  by  reproaches 
and  afllictions,  and  partly  whilst  they  become  com- 
panions of  them  that  are  so  used.'  For  as  the  Lord 
of  Glory  was  here  ridiculed,  and  made  a  gazing-stock 
to  his  people,  the  like  opprobrious  honour  is  likewise 
to  be  the  portion  of  his  faithful  followers.  How  of- 
ten have  the  primitive  martyrs  been 'made  use  of  as 
torches  for  the  nocturnal  spectacles  of  the  Heathens  ; 
who  wrapped  them  in  paper  or  linen  garments  done 
over  with  rosin,  pitch,  and  other  combustibles,  and 
then  set  them  on  fire  and  burnt  them  alive  !  How  of- 
fen  were  they  exposed  naked  to  crowds  of  insulting 
.spectators,  by  whom  they  were  mocked,  abused,  and 
reviled  !  How^  often  at  the  public  games,  were  they 
made  to  fight  with  wild  beasts,  &c.  &:c.  Therefore 
it  might  well  be  said,  '  Behold  the  m.an  !'  What  an 
unspeakable  comfort  and  encouragement  must  it 
liave  been  to  those  sufiering  members  of  Christ,  to 
reflect,  that  their  glorious  Head  was  also  made  a  ga- 
zing-stock to  the  people.  It  hiis  also  been  a  common 
])ractice  in  the  Popish  persecutions,  to  expose  the 
martjTs  who  sufl'ered  for  the  truth  of  the  Gospel  to 
the  insulting  populace  in  the  most  ridiculous  dress, 
■in  order  to  nie\  e  llicir  laughter  and  contempt.     Thu-a 


THE    TIIIBUNAL    OF   PILATE.-  il9 

when  the  blessed  martyr  John  Huss  was  carried  to 
be  burnt,  a  paper  crown  painted  all  over  \v  itii  frighi- 
ful  figures  of  devils  was  put  on  his  head  ;  which, 
however,  served  to  remind  him  of  his  Saviour's  mock 
crown  of  thorns,  and  so  far  proved  a  comfort  to  him. 
All  these  various  sufferings  of  the  martyrs  for  the 
truth,  the  Lord  Jesus  sanctifted,  by  thus  becoming  a 
gazing  stock  to  the  Jews. 

2.  No  sight  is  so  profitable  to  the  eye  of  the  soul, 
as  that  of  the  blessed  Jesus  thus  covered  witli  blood 
and  stripes. 

To  the  eyes  of  vain  men,  indeed,  this  is  an  ini' 
age  of  disgust  and  horror.  They  see  nothing  in  it 
which  can  give  the  least  comfort  to  them.  It  is  some- 
thing extraordinary,  if  the  contemplation  of  it  raise 
in  tliem  some  motions  of  a  mere  natural  pity,  which 
soon  vanish  away  without  leaving  any  impression  oii 
the  mind.  But  when  a  pious  Christian,  through  the 
medium  of  true  faith,  beholds  his  Mediator,  as  it  were 
changed  into  a  worm  ;  he,  like  the  diseased  IsraeU 
ites,  who  looked  on  the  brazen  serpent,  is  healed  by 
the  sight,  and  his  whole  heart  is  moiiiiied  and  chan- 
ged.^ 

Thus  the  counsel  of  God  was  manifested  in  these 
words  of  Pilate,  'Behold  the  man!'  For  as  in  the 
whole  history  of  the  passion,  we  are  to  turn  our  eyes 
from  the  hands  of  men,  and  to  look  up  to  the  decrees 
of  God;  so  must  we  do  in  this  particular.  Pilate 
was  now  in  the  same  case  as  Caiaphas  the  High  Priest 
was,  when  he  spoke  those  remarkable  words  mention- 
ed by  St  John,  (chap.  xi.  51,)  of  which  we  have  ta- 
ken notice  above.  Therefore  as  the  blessed  Jesus 
here  through  Pilate's  means,  exposed  himself  covered 
with  blood  to  his  jx^oplc,  or  rather  to  the  whole  world 
so  likewise  the  words,  'Behold  the  man,'  must  be 
looked  upon  by  us  as  if  spoken  by  Christ  himself. 

Therefore,  ye  impenitent  sinners,  who  still  place 
your  satisfaction  and  delight  in  sin.  Behold  the  man  I 
Do  vou  obser\e  how  sin  hiis  caused  vour  Redeemer 


jurist's   SUiTERINGS   BEFORlT 

to  be  thus  barbarously  treated  ?  Here  you  may  see^ 
as  in  a  faithful  mirror,  how  it  will  go  with  you,  un- 
less you  sincerely  forsake  your  sins,  and  believe  in 
Christ.  If  you  die  in  your  sins ;  in  such  reproach 
(uid  disgrace,  crowned  with  thorns  of  the  curse,  and 
stigmatised  with  the  marks  of  everlasting  death,  will 
ye  one  day  be  exposed  before  God  and  his  elect  an- 
gelc.  Behold,  from  this  eternal  ignominy  will  your 
Saviour  deliver  you,  but  on  no  other  conditions  than 
those  of  faith  in  him,  sincere  repentance  and  amend- 
ment of  life.  You  must  truly  turn  to  God,  acknow- 
ledging yourselves  deserving  of  the  greatest  disgrace 
iuid  reproach,  and  present  yourselves  before  the 
throne  of  grace  as  wretched  criminals,  who  are  guilty 
of  death.  O  neglect  not  this  opportunity  until  Jesus, 
who  now,  as  it  were,  stands  before  your  eyes  as  a 
despised  worm,  shall  seat  himself  on  his  jud8:ment- 
seat,  and  pronounce  sentence  of  eternal  condemnatioa 
on  those  who  have  despised  the  merits  of  his  blood  ! 
Therefore  with  eyes  full  of  tears,  and  with  looks  of 
compassionate  longing  after  mercy,  Behold  the  man, 
Avhom  your  sins  have  tiuis  barbarously  treated  !  Pray 
to  him,  whom  for  your  sake  became  as  it  were,  a 
worm,  and  less  than  man,  and  implore  his  protec- 
tion to  deliver  you  from  that  ruin  and  depravity  int© 
which  you  are  sunk,  and  to  nuike  you  the  sons  of  God 
and  heirs  of  Glory. 

Behold,  yc  coACtous  and  merciless  rich  men,  Be- 
hold the  man.  who  is  thus  debased  and  poor,  in  order 
to  make  many  rich  ;  who  is  so  emaciated  that  you 
mav  tell  all  his  bones  ;  \\'ho  out  of  his  generous  love 
and  boundless  liberality,  poured  out  his  precious 
blood  for  your  salvation. 

Yc  sons  of  pride  and  ambition.  Behold  the  man, 
who  is  humbled  so  low  ;  whose  head  is  crowned 
Avith  thorns,  and  whose  body  is  exposed  in  a  tattered, 
purple  robe,  for  your  sins. 

Ye  \vanton  and  lasci\  ious.  Behold  die  man,  whose 
A\hole  bodj  was  co\Tred  \^'ith  blood,  stripes,   and 


7HE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  121- 

bruises.  Behold,  witn  what  torture  he  was  to  satis- 
fy the  Divine  Justice  for  your  sensuality,  voluptuous- 
ness, and  the  lusts  of  your  pampered  flesh. 

Ye  passionate  and  revengeful,  Bt-hold  the  man, 
who  suffers  whatever  Heaven  is  pleased  to  la}'  upon 
him  with  astonishing  patience,  nuidness,  and  sereni- 
ty ;  who  permits  himself  to  be  assaulted  by  the  com- 
bined rage  of  a  tumultuous  populace,  that  he  mi^ht 
atone  for  your  violent  emotions  of  anger  and  revenL^e, 
and  obtain  pardon  and  gi'ace  for  you  from  his  hea- 
venly Father.  Therefore,  throw  yoursehes  at  the 
feet  of  this  incarnate  God;  pour  out  your  tears  and 
complaints  before  him  ;  and  pray  to  him  that  his  suf- 
ferings mav  be  for  the  salvation  of  your  souls. 

Lasth',   Ye  penitent  and  faithful  souls.  Behoid  the 
man  !   Soe  how   low    his   unspe^ikable  lo\  e  to  you 
brought  him  !   Turn  your  eyes  from  your  sins  and 
iniquities,  with  which  your  conscience  is  oppressed, 
and  direct  them  to  this  Lamb  of  God'  the  sacred  \ic- 
tim  that  has  borne  your  sins,  and  presented  himself 
to  the  Divine  Justice  as  a  great  sacrifice  of  atone- 
ment.    Contemplate  his  whole  deplorable    appear- 
imce,  by  which  he  has  removed  the  ghastly  appear- 
ance of  your  guilt,  when  you  were  an  abhorrence  in 
the  sight  of  God  and  in  your  own  eyes,  and  has  made 
you  acceptable  to  the  Father.     Reflect  on  his  igno- 
minous  crown  of  thorns,  by  which  he  has  acquired 
for  you  a  right  to    a  never-fading  crown   of  glory. 
Consider  his  mean  purple  robe,  by  which  he  haj?  ob- 
tiiined  for  you  the  garment  of  innocence  and  righte- 
ousness.    Contemplate  his  wounds  and  stripes  as  the 
remedy  for  the  wounds  of  your  conscience.     Behold 
his  face  covered  with  blood,   but  at  the  same   time 
]:)eaming  forth  looks  of  the  most  tender  love  to  vour 
souis.      Lastly,  consider  his  composed  and    placid 
heart,  which,  amidst  all  his  pains  and  the  malicious 
ouirages  of  his  enemies,  was  lifted  up  in  prayer  to 
God.     Therefore  with  a  cordial  love,  and  whh  all  the 
powers  of  the  soul,  give  yourselves  up  to  th;sfaiihful 

VOL.      II.  o 


l^%  cn.r.IJrT'3  SUITERINGS  BEFORS 

Saviour  ;  and  as  he  \'olimtarily  suffered  himself  to  bc 
exposed  to  cruelty  and  rage,  so  likewise  do  vou 
willingly  present  and  de^•otc  yourselves  to  his  ser- 
vice. Do  not  hesitate  to  become  an  insulting  laugh- 
ing-stock in  following  Christ.  If  the  world  points' 
at  you,  if  it  insults  and  ridicules  you,  rejoice  that  you 
are  made  thus  conformable  to  the  suffering  Jesus ; 
and  be  assured,  that  he  will  one  day  present  you  to 
the  Father  in  a  glorious  state,  \vhen  he  himself  shall 
point  you  out  and  say,  ^behold,  here  am  I,  and  the 
children  whom  thou  gavest  me,'  (Isaiah  viii.  18. 
Hcb.ii.  15.) 

II.  Let  us  now,  in  the  next  place,  consider  the  ef-- 
feet  produced  by  the  means  M"hich  Pilate  made  use  of 
to  release  our  blessed  Saviour,  and  enquire  what  fol- 
lowed his  being  thus  exhibited  to  the  people. 

First,  It  was  followed  by  a  tumultuous  outcry- 
For  '  wlicn  the  chief  Priests  and  officers  saw  him^ 
they  cried  out^  sayings  crucify  him  !  crucify  him  1' 
The  people  seemed,  at  first,  to  have  felt  some  com- 
passion at  the  de})lorable  appearance  of  the  blessed 
Jesus  ;  insomuch  that  thev  stood  in  a  silent  astonish- 
ment  at  tlie  dismal  spectacle.  But  the  chief  Priests 
and  their  officers,  who,  for  their  own  interest,  were 
obliged  to  join  in  the  cry,  and  to  gnash  upon  this  in- 
nocent person  with  their  teeth,  (Ps.  XXXV.  16.)  were 
too  malignant  and  cruel  to  be  susceptible  of  any  pity 
or  compassion.  They  were  not  sensible  that  mercy 
is  better  than  sacrifice,  (Matt.  ix.  13.  xii.  7.)  Here 
were  verified  these  words  to  the  Psalmist  (Ps.  xxii, 
12,  13.)  'Many  bulls  have  compassed  me ;  strong 
bulls  of  Bashan  have  beset  me  round.  They  gaped, 
upon  me  with  their  mouths,  as  a  ravening  and  a  roar- 
ing lion.'  Here  was  accomplished  what  the  Lord  Je- 
iius  had,  in  a  parable,  before  declared  to  this  perverse 
generation,  saying,  '  When  the  husbandmen  saw  the 
Son,  they  said  among  themselves,  This  is  the  heir  ; 
Come,  let  us  kill  him.'  (Matt.  xxi.  38.)     The  ac-" 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF   PILATE.  125 

complishment  of  it  was  this  :  *  When  the  chief  Priests 
saw  him,  they  cried  out,  saying,  crucify  him  !' 

Thus  the  sight  of  this  moving  spectacle  had  quite 
a  different  effect  on  them  from  what  Pilate  had  ima- 
gined. He  hoped  by  so  deplorable  an  object,  to  have 
moved  them  to  compassion;  but  on  the  contrary,  al 
the  sight  of  the  blood  issuing  from  all  parts  of  out- 
Saviour's  body,  their  thirst  after  his  blood  was  the 
more  inflamed.  Here  Solomon's  assertion  was  abun- 
dantly verified,  namely,  'The  tender  mercies  of  the 
wicked  are  cruel.'  (I'rov.  xii.  10.)  No  less  savage 
are  the  men  of  this  world  in  their  rage  against  the 
faithful  servants  of  Clirist,  who  beiir  witness  to  the 
truth.  The  sympathetic  feelings  of  humanity  are 
turned  into  the  most  savage  barbarit}-,  by  their  ha- 
tred to  Christ  and  his  members.  How  must  these 
outrageous  clamours  of  the  mad  populace  have  affect- 
ed the  soul  of  the  blessed  Jesus  !  The  wounds  and 
stripes  inflicted  on  him  by  the  soldiers,  did  not  cause 
him  near  so  much  pain  as  this  inhuman  rancour  of  his 
people. 

But  the  same  barbarous  treatment  which  our  bles- 
sed Lord  here  experienced,  has  been  continued  to 
his  members.  When  the  Asiatic  Jews  saw  St.  Paul 
in  the  Temple,  '  They  stirred  up  all  the  people,  and 
laid  hands  on  him,  crying  out,  men  of  Israel  help.-^ 
And  all  the  city  was  moved,  and  the  people  came  to- 
gether.— And  as  they  went  about  to  kill  him,  tidings 
came  to  the  chief  captain  of  the  Band,  that  all  Jerusa- 
lem was  in  an  uproar.*  (Acts  xxi.  27 — 51.)  And 
when  St.  Paul  had  thereupon  made  his  defence,  tlie 
Nvhole  multitude  '  lift  up  their  voices,  and  said,  Au'ay 
widi  such  a  fellow  from  the  earth  i  for  it  is  npt  lit  he 
should  Uve.  And  as  they  cried  out,  and  cast  off  their 
clothes,  and  threw  dust  into  tht  air,  ihc  chief  Captain 
comm.anded  him  to  be  brought  into  die  casde,'  (Act*: 
xxii.  23,  24.)  The  histories  of  the  martyrs  particular- 
ly prove  that  the  Romish  clergy  never  shewed  them- 
selves more  outnijr'^ous  tlian  when  thev  Ind  Christ 


'124  CH11IST''3  SUFTERIXCS   EEFOEE' 

suffcrlngsbefore  their  eyes,  in  the  persons  of  his  mem- 
bers and  faithful  ^vitnesses.  Even  thieves  and  rob- 
bers meet  with  some  compassion,  when  they  are  pun- 
ished for  their  offences  ;  but  when  Christ  in  his 
members  is  tortured  by  fire  or  sword,  they  steel  their 
breasts  ag-ainst  all  sentiments  of  pity  and  tenderness. 

But  alas  !  it  little  becomes  sinners  to  rail  against 
the  enemies  of  Christ.  The  malignant  spirit  of  Cain, 
which  naturally  dwells  in  us,  cried  through  the  Jew- 
ish people.  Crucify  him!  Nay,  what  the  deludtd 
Jews  did  is  daily  repeated.  All  those  who  are  not 
moved  by  the  pains  of  a  sufiering  Saviour,  to  re- 
nounce their  ungodly  ways,  and  fly  from  tl.ose  sins 
which  brought  such  suflt  rings  upon  him,  do,  in  ef- 
fect, cr}  out,   Crucify  him  !   Crucify  him  ! 

O  blessed  Jesus  !  grant  that  the  consideration  of 
thy  maniiold  sufierings  may  have  a  nobler  effect  on 
our  souls  !  Grant  that  we  may  cry  out  against  our 
old  man.  Crucify  him !  Crucify  him  I  and  that  we 
may  do  homage  to  thee  as  (jur  lawful  King.  May 
every  insult,  and  every  pain  which  thou  didst  en- 
dure for  our  sake,  inspire  us  with  fresh  motives  to 
obedience,  and  gratitude  for  thy  stupendous  love. 

Secondly,  The  next  thing  which  happened  after 
our  Saviour  was  thus  exhibited  as  a  deplorable  spec- 
tacle to  the  people,  was  Pilate's  expostulation  with 
the  Jews  ;  in  which  occurs, 

1.  Pilate's  speech  to  them.  Pilate,  it  seems  grew 
so  impatient  at  this  last  outcry  of  the  Jews,  that  he 
broke  out  into  these  passionate  expressions,  *  Take 
ye  him,  and  crucify  him  ;  for  I  find  no  i'ault  in  him.* 
In  this  he  ^\•as  so  far  to  be  commended,  that  he  again 
publicly  repeats  his  testimony  of  our  blessed  Lord's 
innocence.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  he  is  to  be 
blamed  for  not  opposing  the  Jews,  who  were  for  as- 
suming the  power  of  crucifying  an  innocent  person, 
iind  for  taking  the  guiit  of  it  on  themselves  ;  at  least, 
Ik  might  have  declined  giving  them  a  permission^ 
amounting  to  an  express  command,     l^ilaie  had  be- 


THE     TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  125 

fore  taken  Jesus  and  scourged  him,  (John  xix.  1.) 
and  now  he  is  willing  to  permit  others  to  t  ke  him 
away,  and  crucify  him.  How  cruel  is  his  mercy  1 
What  did  it  avail  Pilate,  that  he  was  convinced  of 
our  Saviour's  innocence  ?  To  what  purpose  did  he 
now  cry  out  a  third  time,  '  I  find  no  fault  in  him,' 
(See  John  xviii.  38.  xix.  4.  and  6.)  since  he  acted 
contra y  to  such  a  conviction?  Thus  it  will  be  of 
no  benefit  to  us,  to  cry  out,  O  Lamb  of  God  tliat 
takest  away  the  sins  oi  the  world  ;  unless  \vt  forsake 
our  sins,  in  humility  lay  hold  on  Christ's  innocence, 
and  suffer  his  spirit  to  guide  us,  that  we  n,ay  serve 
him  in  holmess  and  righteousness  all  the  days  of  our 
lives  ?  Preserve  us,  O  Lord,  from  all  such  scanda- 
lous hypocrisy,  that  we  may  not  confess  thy  inno- 
cence with  our  mouth  ;  and  yet  crucify  thee  by  our 
manifold  sins  and  impieties,  or  without  concern  see 
thee  taken  away  and  crucified  by  others.  Tiiis  ex- 
postulation of  Pilate  vvas  followed, 

2.  By  the  answer  of  the  Jews,  which  was  this  : 
*  We  have  a  law,  and  by  our  law  he  ought  to  die.' 
Hitherto,  the  accusation  of  the  Jews  agaiiist  our  bles- 
sed Saviour  had  turned  chiefly  ov,  crimes  against  the 
civil  government.     They  had  charged  him  with  ibr- 
bidding  the  people  to  pay  tribute  to  Cesar,  and  mak- 
ing himself  a  king.     The  former  crime  was  detri- 
mental to  the  emperor's  treasury,  as  it  tended  to  les- 
sen his  revenue,  and  the  latter  was  high  treason  a- 
gainst  his  Imperial  Majesty  ;  and  both  were  equally 
punishable  with  death.     But  Pilate,  finding  in  the 
prisoner's  confession  no  grounds  for  such  an  indict- 
ment, had,  time  after  time,  declared  him  innocent* 
'1  he  Jews  tlierefore  dropt  those  points  at  present,  and 
returns  to  the  charge  with  a  new  complaint  of  a  dif- 
ferent nature  ;  which  could  not  properly  come  under 
the  cognizance  of  Pilate.     By  this  proceeding  they 
exposed  the  greatest  mystery  of  their  religion,  and 
debased  it  in  the  eyes  of  the  civil  judge,  who  v.as  a 
heathen^  and  understood  nothing  of  it.     But  rage  and 


i2i3         Christ's  sufferikgs  BEFonr 

malice  prompted  them  to  trespass  on  what  was  sa- 
cred ;  for  they  Httle  regarded  how  much  it  might  be 
profaned  before  Pilate's  tribunal.  So  much  pains 
did  these  sons  of  malice  and  cruelty  take  to  render 
Christ,  the  great  author  of  salvation,  the  cause  of  con- 
demnation to  themselves. 

The  Jews,  in  answer  to  Pilate's  expostulation,  ap- 
pealed to  the  law,  and  said,  '  We  have  a  law,  and  by 
that  law  he  ought  to  die.'  They  had  indeed  a  iavv% 
which  condemned  blaspliemcrs  and  false  prophets  to 
be  punished  with  death,  (Lev.  xxiv.  15,  16.  Deut. 
xviii.  20.)  But  this  law  was  most  wrongfully  ap- 
jplied  to  Christ,  who  had  always  highly  honoured  his 
Father.  That  Divine  law,  in  which  they  ought  to 
Iia^e  discerned  their  wickedness,  they  used  as  a  co- 
vering for  their  villainy.  These  very  accusers  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  \rere  the  greatest  transgressors  of  tlie 
Jpivinelaw,  (John  vii.  19,  Rom.  ii.  23.)  But  when 
they  were  resoh  ed  at  any  rate  to  put  Jesus  to  death, 
they  made  use  of  the  law  as  a  pretence  to  palliate 
their  crueJty  ;  and  though  they  themselves  impiously 
trampled  the  law  under  foot,  yet  they  would  fain  have 
Christ  executed  as  a  transgressor  of  it. 

How  amazing  and  dreadful  is  the  reflection,  that 
tlie  great  Angel  of  the  Covenant,  who  himself  gave 
the  law  on  Mount  Sinai,  should  here  be  accused  as 
a  transgressor  of  the  law !  We,  alas  !  had  trans- 
gressed the  Divine  law,  and  by  that  law  were  to  die. 
But,  behold,  he  cometh  in  our  stead,  who  could  say, 
*  Thy  law,  O  my  God,  is  within  my  heart,'  (Psahn 
:xl.  8.)  and  permits  the  priests  and  people  to  cry  out 
against  him,  '  by  our  law  he  ought  to  die.'  The 
blessed  Jesus  thus  suffers  himself  to  be  condemned 
by  the  h\v,  that  we  may  he  acquitted  by  the  gospej. 
btupenduous  love  !  immeasurable  kindness  ! 

At  the  same  time,  our  blessed  Lord  has  hereby 
sanctified  the  sufferings  of  his  faithful  servants,  who 
fequently  are  declared  hcritics,  and  punished  with 
death,  through  false  interpretations  of  Script  are.  1^ 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  127 

illiterate  zealots.  It  is  no  small  aggravation  of  the 
sufferings  of  Christians,  when  they  are  condemned  by 
declarations  out  of  the  word  of  God  ^vrestcd  from, 
their  true  meaning,  by  an  iniquitous  set  of  unmerci- 
ful judges.  However,  by  the  pretended  condemna- 
tion of  the  Son  of  God,  according  to  the  sentence  of 
the  law,  the  sting  of  such  an  offence  is  taken  away. 
Alas !  Christ  is  daily  crucified  even  among  Christi- 
ans, by  those  who  have  the  Scripture  in  their  mouth, 
and  quote  it  like  satan  in  the  gospel,  (Matt.  iv.  6.) 
and  yet  make  it  a  covering  to  their  vices  and  wicked 
ness,  by  picking  out  of  it  every  thing  they  can  to  ex- 
cuse and  palliate  their  sinful  actions,  and,  as  it  were, 
to  make  pillows  on  which  their  carnal  security  may 
Eepose  itself. 

But  let  us  enquire,  what  particular  law  that  ^vas-, 
by  which  the  lawgiver  himself  was  here  adjudged  to 
die  ?  He  has,  say  the  Jews,  made  himself  the  Son 
©f  God.  By  their  former  accusation  of  setting  up  for 
a  king,  he  had  been  arraigned  for  high  treason  against 
Cesar ;  but  by  this  charge  they  make  him  guilt}'  of 
high  treason  against  the  Divine  Majesty.  Thus  they 
represent  Jesus  as  one,  who  not  onh-  exalted  himself 
above  the  head  of  the  Roman  empire,  but  above  all 
created  beings,  and  made  himself  equal  with  God. 
Consequently  they  make  him  guilty  of  death  on  a 
double  account,  namely,  by  the  Roman  laws,  as  a 
rebel,  and  by  the  Jewish  law,  as  a  blasphemer. 

Alas !  deluded  mortals,  it  was  not  our  blessed  Sa 
viour  that  made  himself  the  Son  of  God,  but  he  who 
said  unto  him,  '  Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  ha"\'c  I 
begotten  thee,'  (Psalm  ii.  7.  Heb.  v.  5.)  and  wlio  at 
the  same  time  enjoined  all  'the  kings  and  judges 
of  the  earth  to  kiss,  or  worship,  his  Son."  ^\V  liad 
arrogated  an  equality  with  God,  for  ^vhid»  here  tjK-. 
real  Son  of  God  was  to  atone.  In  the  state  of  inno- 
cence, we  were  the  beloved  cliildrcn  of  Crod  ;  but  ip.- 
stead  of  resting  satisfied  with  this  lionour,  wc  uouKyl 
b.e  as  gods,  (Gen.  in.  Fi.)     On  \hv.  contrary,  by  th> 


128         Christ's  sufferings  before 

attempt,  we  became  like  unto  our  seducer  the  devil, 
and  fell  under  the  sentence  of  temporal  and  etemaL 
death. 

THE    PUAYER. 

Thanks  be  to  thtt,  O  blessed  Jesus,  for  thine  un- 
speakable love,  which  moved  thee  to  debase  thyself 
so  low,  and  to  permit  such  a  false  accusation  to  be 
brought  against  thee,  as  that  thou  madest  thyself  the 
Son  of  God ;  by  which  thou  didst  obtain  for  us  the 
glorious  privilege  of  being  sons  and  daughters  of  the 
Almighty.  Bless  that  part  of  the  Divine  word,  which 
we  have  now  considered.  Grant  that  the  contempla- 
tion of  the  mournful  spectacle,  exhibited  to  the  peo- 
ple after  thy  painful  scourging,  may  powerfully  move 
the  hearts  of  all  those  who,  in  their  carnal  security,  are 
going  forward  in  trespasses  without  any  dread  of  the 
Di\'ine  wrath,  and  impress  on  thera  a  deep  sense  of 
God's  displeasure  against  sin.  Grant  that  it  may 
likewise  become  a  comfort  to  all  penitent  and  faiths 
fui  Christians  ;  and  in  all  temptations  to  sin,  put  us 
again  in  mind  of  that  part  of  thy  sufferings,  which 
we  have  now  viewed  as  it  were  at  a  distance,  that  we 
may  be  powerfully  restrained  from  yielding  to  them. 
Remmd  us  more  particularly  of  these  thy  sufferings 
at  the  tremendous  hour  of  death,  that  we  may  thence 
derive  comfort  and  confidence  to  recommend  our 
souls  to  thee,  our  merciful  Saviour,  and  die  in  thr 
faith.     Grant  this  for  the  sake  of  thv  name.     Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  XIV. 

tilate's   last   discourse   with  the  lorb 

JESUS, 

*  WHEN  Pilate  therefore  heard  that  saying,  he  was 
the  more  aiVaid  ;  and  he  went  again  in  into  the  judg- 
ment-hail, and  saith  unto  Jesus,  Whence  art  thou? 


THE     TRIBUNAL    OF       PILATE. 


l2iy 


But  Jesus  gave  him  no  answer.  Then  salth  Pilate 
unto  him,  Speakest  thou  not  unto  me  ?  Knowest 
tliou  not,  tliat  I  have  power  to  crucify  thee,  and  have 
power  to  release  thee  ?  Jesus  answered,  Thou 
couldest  have  no  power  at  all  against  me,  except  it 
were  given  thee  from  above  :  Therefore,  he  that  de- 
livered me  unto  thee  hath' the  greater  sin,'  (John  xix. 
8— 11.) 

In  these  last  words  which  Pilate  spoke  to  the  Lord 
Jesus,  we  may  observe,  ^ 

First,  The  occasion  of  this  discourse :  *  When 
Pilate  therefore  heard  that  saying,  he  was  the  more 
afraid,  and  went  again  into  the  judgment-hall.  The 
chief  priests,  being  disappointed  in  their  first  accusa- 
tion, now  brought  a  new  article  against  the  prisoner, 
and  accused  Jesus,  saying,  That  he  made  himself  the 
Son  of  God;  and  that  consequently,  according  to  their 
law,  by  which  they  were  governed  under  the  pro- 
tection  of  the  Romans,  he  ought  to  die.  This  new 
charge  occasioned  uncommon  emotions  in  the  mind 
of  the  Roman  judge.  For  it  was  the  belief  of  both 
Romans  and  Greeks,  that  there  were  a  multitude  of 
gods  and  goddesses,  who  propagated  their  race,  and 
begot  children  ;  who  sometimes  used  a  visible  shape 
to  come  down  from  heaven,  and  convci-se  with  men. 
Thus  the  heathens  at  Lystra  took  Paul  and  Barnabas 
for  such  deities,  and  cried  out,  '  The  gods  are  come 
down  unto  us,  in  the  likeness  of  men,'  (Acts  xiv.  1 1, 
12.)  When  Pilate  heard  that  Jesus  made  himself  the 
Son  of  God,  he  concluded,  that  if  he  was  the  off- 
spring of  the  immortal  gods,  some  dreadful  ven- 
^ance  would  fall  on  him  and  his  family.  For  he 
had  already  caused  this  Divine  person  to  be  scourged, 
and  permitted  his  soldiers  to  insult  him  with  all  man- 
ner of  indignities,  and  illegal  abuses.  His  consci- 
ence now  reproached  hmi  for  what  he  had  done,  and 
excited  in  him  that  servile  fear  of  \\]\\:.h  the  Evans^e- 
/ist  takes  notice  above. 

VOL.     II.  R 


130  ciihist's  sufferincs  uetorz 

But  by  the  words,  '  lie  was  the  more  afraid/  ilf 
appears  that  lie  had  been  very  uneasy  during  the 
whole  proceedhigs  against  Jesus,  and  that  lie  had  be- 
fore been  agitated  with  fear  and  terror,  which  he  could 
not  account  for.  For,  notwithstanding  all  the  mean- 
ncss  and  ignominy  vvhicli  then  surrounded  the  Lord 
Jesus,  sonic  niajestic  rays  of  his  concealed  glory  beam- 
ed forth  from  him,  and  made  such  an  impression  on 
IMlate  that  he  could  not  but  conclude,  that  the  person 
who  now  stood  before  his  Tribunal  was  somcthing^ 
more  than  human.  He  had  bcff>ve  been  struck  with 
our  blessed  Lord's  magnaninions  silence  ;  but  now 
lie  was  quite  disturbed,  when  he  heard  tliat  he  had  to 
do  with  the  Son  of  God  ;  and  at  the  same  time  recol- 
lected, that  he  had  heard  of  many  surprizing  miraclcK- 
whicli  had  been  wrought  by  this  Jesus. 

Something  like  this  has  often  happened  to  other 
Pagan  judges,  in  the  persecutions  of  the  members  of 
Christ,  1  hey  have  been  made  sensible  that  Chris- 
tians are  quite  of  a  different  spirit  from  other  malefac- 
tors. They  haA'e  been  thrown  into  fear  and  consterna-» 
tion,  and  have  felt  A'iolent  emotions  at  the  undaunted 
ap}x;arancc,  and  noble  behaviour  of  martyrs  and  con- 
fessors. This  servile  fear,  which  often,  though  not 
always,  appears  in  unjust  judges,  who  condemn  the 
innocent  witnesses  of  the  truth,  serves  as  a  testi- 
mony of  the  majesty  and  veneration  which  true  reli- 
gion carries  along  with  it ;  since  it  strikes  unbelie- 
■vers  w  ith  awe  and  terror. 

Secondly,  We  may  observe  the  question  put  by 
Pilate  to  the  Lord  Jesus.  Pilate  went  again  into  the 
judgment-hall,  that  he  might  speak  with  Jesus  apart 
and  free  from  all  noise  and  interruption,  and  said  un- 
to him,  '  Whence  art  thou  ?'  He  does  not  by  these 
words  enquire  after  his  earthly  country,  namely,  whe- 
ther he  was  of  Judea,  or  Galilee  ?  For  he  could  not 
but  conclude  from  the  former  accusations  of  the  Jews^ 
that  he  was  of  Galilee,  since  he  had,  on  that  account, 
L<nt  him  to  Herod,  under  whose  government  that 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  131 

province  was.  But  by  this  question,  Pilate's  design 
was  to  inform  himself  of  our  Saviour's  lineage  and 
descent,  viz.  whether  he  was  of  divine  or  human  ex- 
traction ?  and  if  the  former  was  true,  from  \vha6 
branch  or  family  of  the  gods  he  was  descended? 
This  question  arose  chiefly  from  a  vain  curiosity. 
Besides,  he  wanted  to  be  rightly  informed  of  this,  in 
order  to  get  rid  of  his  servile  fear,  which  now  began 
greatly  to  disturb  his  mind,  and  was  still  growing  on 
him  ;  so  that  it  is  little  to  be  wondered  at,  that  Pilate 
did  not  receive  any  answer  from  the  blessed  Jesus, 
The  next  particular  which  here  deserves  our  notice^ 
was, 

Thirdly,  The  silence  of  our  blessed  Lord.  'But 
Jesus,  s'dith  tlie  evangelist,  gave  him  no  answer.'  It 
is  observable  that,  from  the  history  of  the  Passion,  we 
find,  that  the  nearer  the  Lord  Jesus  approached  to  his 
death,  the  less  he  conversed  with  men.  However,  he 
had  his  particular  reasons  for  not  entering  into  dis- 
course with  Pilate  on  this  head. 

For  1,  It  was  a  question  quite  foreign  to  the  pur- 
pose, and  did  not  properly  belong  to  any  court  of  hvw 
man  judicature. 

2.  This  question  put  by  Pilate  did  not  proceed 
from  a  sincere  love  of  truth,  nor  from  a  desire  of 
ivnowing  it ;  but  from  a  mixture  of  curiosity  and 
fear. 

3.  As  Pilate,  instead  of  regarding  the  answer  which 
Jesus  had  made  to  his  former  question,  viz,  '  Art 
thou  the  king  of  the  Jews,'  had  left  him  abruptl}^, 
and  in  a  contemptuous  manner  had  asked.  What  was 
truth;  he  did  not  deserve  any  furtha'  information. 

4.  This  judgment  on  Pilate  was,  however,  accom- 
panied with  some  indulgence.  Our  blessed  Lord 
well  knew,  that  his  eternal  generation  from  the  Father 
was  far  beyond  Pilate's  comprehension  :  He  there- 
fore saw,  that  it  would  only  occasion  him  to  sin  fur- 
ther by  insolently  ridiculing  that  sacred  truth,  and  by 
that  means  would  aggra\'ate  his  guilt,  already  very 


132  Christ's  sufferings  eefork 

great.  Hence  the  benevolent  Jesus,  by  his  silence, 
prevented  this  increase  of  Pilate's  condemnation. 

5.  Christ  likewise  confirmed  his  former  command 
against  giving  sacred  things  to  dogs,  or  throwing 
pearls  before  swine,  (Matt.  vii.  6.)  by  his  silence  on 
this  occasion.  Though  wisdom  be  found  of  those 
that  seek  her,  she  is  not  to  be  allured  or  acquired  by 
questions  of  mere  curiosity.  On  the  contrary,  she 
turns  aside  from  the  frivolous,  the  self-sufficient,  and 
the  licentious.  After  this  silence  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
follows. 

Fourthly,  A  fresh  expostulation  of  Pilate  with  our 
blessed  Lord.  This  just  and  discreet  silence  of  Christ 
gave  offence  to  Pilate,  who  construed  it  as  a  contempt 
of  his      dignity :    Accordingly   Jie   says  to   Jesus, 

*  Speakest  thou  not  unto  me  ?'  Thus  he  reproves  him 
for  not  thinking  him  worthy  of  an  answer,  and  adds, 

*  Knowest  thou  not  that  I  have  power  to  crucify 
thee,  and  have  power  to  release  thee  V  by  which  he 
s:ivcs  him  to  understand  that  such  behaviour  at  this 
crisis  v/as  contrary  to  all  the  rules  of  prudence.  He 
hints  to  Jesus,  that  if  he  had  a  mind  to  be  thought  a 
son  of  God,  he  should  shew  himself  a  master  of  so 
much  sense  as  to  know  that,  instead  of  obstinately  ir- 
ritating his  judge,  he  ought  to  endenvour  to  gain  iiim 
over  to  his  interest  by  humility  and  discretion.  Thus 
Pilate  vainly  boasts  of  his  power,  notwithstanding  the 
servile  fear  which  sat  so  uneasy  on  his  heart.  He  af- 
fects an  air  of  grandeur,  the  better  to  conceal  his  in- 
ward trouble.  He,  on  the  contrarj-,  ought  to  have 
exerted  his  power  over  the  Jews,  towards  whom  he 
behaves  with  a  scandalous  timerousness,  and  meanlv 
complies  with  their  unreasonable  demands.  But  in 
this  he  acted  after  the  manner  of  all  the  unjust  magis- 
trates of  this  world.  When  persecuted  defenceless 
Christians  are  brought  before  them,  they  affect  a  great 
deiil  of  state  and  grandeur,  and  boast  of  their  cxten- 
;ji\e  power  and  authorit}-.  Every  petty  judge  then 
becomes  a  mighty  potentate.      But  when  they  arc  cal- 


THE    TRIBUNAL     OF   PILATE.  133 

ted  Upon  to  exert  their  power  in  succouring-  the  dis- 
tressed, and  protecting  the  innocent,  against  their  po- 
tent oppressors,  theyare  very  silent  on  tJiishead.  Let 
us  now  consider, 

Fifthly,  Christ's  answer  to  Pilate's  last  expostula- 
tion. As  Pilate  here  encroached  on  the  prerogative 
of  heaven  by  vainly  boasting  of  a  power,  which  was 
not  his  own,  but  was  intrusted  to  him  by  God,  to 
whom  he  was  accountable  for  it ;  the  blessed  Jesus 
found  himself  obliged  by  an  inward  impulse,  to  vindi- 
cate the  honour  of  his  Father  by  a  short  answer.  He 
therefore  addresses  Pilate  in  these  words :  '  Thou 
couldest  have  no  power  at  all  against  me,  except  it 
were  given  thee  from  above  :  Therefore  he  that  de- 
livered me  unto  thee  hath  the  greater  sin.'  In  this  an- 
swer of  our  blessed  Lord  we  may  remark  the  follow- 
ing particulars.   ■ 

1.  He  grants  that  Pilate,  in  quality  of  a  judge, 
was  invested  with  power  and  authorit}",  but  at  the 
same  time  gives  him  to  understand,  that  he  derives 
his  power  from  God  ;  so  that,  consequently,  he  ought 
not  to- act  arbitrarily,  but,  instead  of  consulting  only 
his  own  pleasure,  to  use  the  power  Avhich  he  had  re- 
ceived from  above  according  to  the  pleasure  and  pre- 
cepts of  God.  If  he  acted  otherwise,  the  account  he 
was  to  give  would  be  very  grievous.  Thus  our  bles- 
sed Lord  here  confirms  the  truth,  which  was  after- 
wards inculcated  by  St.  Paul  in  these  words  :  '  There 
is  no  power  but  of  God :  '  the  powers  that  be  are  or- 
dained of  God,'  (Rom.  xiii.  I.) 

2.  He  acqaints  Pilate,  that  his  power  in  the  ordina- 
ry course- of  things  did  not  properly  extend  over  his 
person;  for  he  says,  '  Thou  couldest  have  no  power 
over  ME.'  All  the  Jews,  indeed,  who  then  lived  in 
Palestine  were  under  the  dominion  of  the  Roman 
emperor,  and  consequently  were  subject  to  Pilate,  as 
his  deputy.  The  Lord  Jesus  therefore,  by  excepting 
himself  alone  from  Pilate's  jurisdiction,  gives  him  to 
understand, .that  he  is  not  to  look  upofi  him  as. another 


134  ciiiiisr'a  c^ji-ferings  before 

common  Jew.  For  though  Christ,  according  to  the 
flesh,  was  descended  from  the  Jewish  Patriarchs  ;  yet, 
at  the  same  time,  he  was  'overall,  God  blessed  foi*^ 
evermore,'  (Rom.  ix.  5.)  In  taking  on  him  the  form 
of  abcrvaut,  he  indeed  'submitted  himself  to  every 
ordinance  of  man  for  the  Lord's  sake  ;  but  according 
to  his  Divine  nature,  he  was  the  Lord  and  creator  not 
only  of  Pilate,  but  of  the  Roman  emperor  himself. 
In  consequence  of  this,  Pilate  was  so  far  from  having 
any  power  over  him,  that  he  had  a  full  and  absolute 
power  over  Pilate  ;  and  of  this  he  then  gave  a  remark- 
able proof;  for  his  presence  filled  Pilate's  heart  with 
fear  and  consternation.  This  was  contrary  to  the 
usual  course  of  things  :  for  the  prisoner  on  such  oc- 
casions generally  dreads,  and  trembles  before  his 
judge ;  whereas  the  reverse  happened  here,  for  the 
judge  is  terrified  and  struck  widi  awe  at  the  presence 
of  the  prisoner. 

3.  Our  blessed  Lord  informs  Pilate  from  whence 
the  extraordinary  power,  which  he  now  had  over  his 
body  was  derived.  *  Thou  couldest  have  no  power 
at  all  against  me,  saith  the  Lord  Jesus,  unless  it  were 
given  thee  from  above,'  i.  e.  from  God  :  For,  as  St. 
James  observes,  (Chap.  i.  17.)  *  Every  good  gift 
and  perfect  gift  is  from  above,  and  cometh  down  from 
the  Father  of  lights.'  Thus  the  design  of  our  blessed 
Saviour  by  this  expression,  is  to  refer  Pilate  to  the 
counsel  of  God  ;  and  to  direct  his  thoughts  to  a  higher 
hand,  by  which  he  was  brought  to  the  painful  death 
which  now  approached.  For  God  from  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world,  had  determined  that  his  Son  should 
tajie  the  human  nature  upon  him,  and  die  a  violent 
and  bloody  death,  as  atonement  for  the  sins  of  the 
world.  Insicad  of  immediately  executing  this  sen- 
tence on  our  Mediator,  God  was  pleased  to  commit 
the  execution  of  it  to  the  sword  of  the  magistrate  ; 
whom  he  has  invested  with  power  to  punish  those 
malefactors  with  death,  \vho  have  forfeited  their  lives 
Hy  their  crimes,  and  against  v/hom  the  word  of  God 


ifHE   XRlfiUNAL    OF   PILATZ-  135- 

has  denounced  sentence  of  death.     As  Pilate  at  that 
time  bore  the  sword  of  justice  in  Judea,  God,  in  an 
extraordinary  manner,  permitted  that  it  should  be 
used  for  executing  that  sentence,  which  he  had  long 
ago  passed  by  an  eternal  decree  on  our  surety.     But 
in  this  transaction,  the  work  of  God,  and  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Pilate  are  carefully  to  be  distinguished. 
God,  as  the  Supreme  Judge  of  the  world,  made   use 
of  the  judicial  power  of  Pilate,  in  order  to  punish  our 
sins  which  were  imputed  to  Christ.     But  in  the  in- 
justice of  Pilate,  and  his  cruel  behaviour  towards  Je- 
sus,   God  had  no  share ;  nor  did  the  author  of  all 
good  prompt  him  to  those  unjust  proceedings,  which 
he  was  guilty  of  in  this  trial :   On  the  contrary,  they 
were  the  workings  of  his  own  corrupt  heart  fomented 
by  the  suggestions  of  satan.     Thus  our  blessed  Lord 
acknowledges  Pilate  to  be  his  judge ;  who  indeed, 
according  to  the  ordinary  course  of  things,  could  have 
no  power  over  him ;  but  at  this  time,  by  an  extra- 
ordinary dispensation  of  Providence,  he  had  acquired 
power  and  authority  over  the  Son  of  God. 

4.    Jesus  remonstrates  to  Pilate,  that  he  greatly 
sinned  by  abusing  the  civil  power,  which  he  had  re- 
ceived from  God.     At  the  same  time,  our  blessed 
Lord  o\vns  that  the  chief  Priests  and  Scribes,  by  de- 
livering him  to  Pilate,  were  guilty  of  the  greater  sin, 
and  had  the  more  to  answer  for.     Indeed  they  had 
before  condemned  him  to  die,  and  only  wanted  to 
employ  the  civil  judge  as  the  instrument  to  put  their 
unjust  sentence  in  execution.     The  sin  wliich  these 
men  were  guilty  of  was  of  a  much  deepe:r  dye  than 
that  committed  by  Pilate  on  this  occasion  ;   since 
they  ought  to  have  known   from    the    writings   of 
the  prophets,    who   Jesus    was.      Nay,  they  must 
have   been  convinced  in  their  hearts,  that  he  wu'i 
come  from  God,  and  that  no  man  could  do  those  mi- 
racles that  Jesus  had  done,  except  God  was  with  hin). 
as  Nicodemus  acknowledges  in  the  name  of  them  alK 
(Johniii.  2.)     Jesus  theretbre  readily  owns  this,  nnO 


136  Christ's  sutferincs  before 

by  that  means,  as  it  were,  cuts  off  Pilate's  retreat; 
who  would  have  laid  the  whole  fault  at  the  door  of 
the  Jews.  Thus  he  said  before,  '  Am  I  a  Jew  ?  thine 
own  nation,  and  the  chief  Priests  have  delivered  thee 
unto  me,' 

Our  blessed  Lord  does  by  no  means  exculpate  Pi-v 
late,  by  making  this  acknowledgment ;  on  the  con- 
trary, his  design  is  rather  to  work  on  his  conscience, 
and  convince  him  of  his  heinous  guilt.  Pilate  was^ 
Very  sensible  that  Jesus  was  innocent,  and  that  the 
chief  Priests  had  delivered  him  purely  out  of  envjr 
ajid  malice  ;  yet  he  did  great  violence,  and  acted  quite 
contrary  to  this  conviction.  For  he  not  only,  as*  it 
were,  staked  the  life  of  this  innocent  person  against 
that  of  a  notorious  murderer,  and  caused  him  to  be 
•\  ery  inliumanly  scourged ;  but  permitted  his  soldiers 
to  revile,  insult,  and  commit  all  manner  of  outrages 
against  him.  Notwithstanding  all  this,  Pilate  could 
still  presnmptuously  boast  of  his  power,  and  insult 
the  blessed  Jesus,  by  saying,  '  Knowest  thou  not  that 
1  have  power  to  crucify  thee,  and  have  power  to  re- 
lease thee?'  This  assertion  at  the  same  time  im- 
]:)lied  a  great  absurdity  :  For  if  Christ  was  innocent.> 
Pilate  had  no  legal  power  to  order  him  to  be  cruci- 
fied ;-  and  if,  on  the  other  hand,  he  was  guilty,  he  had 
no  right  to  release  him.  But  the  righteous  God  did 
not  leave  this  injustice  of  Pilate  unpunished;  for,  oa 
a  complaint  of  the  Samaritans  against  him,  he  was  3j 
sent  prisoner  to  Rome  by  Vitellius  ;  and  was  de- 
prived of  his  post  by  the  emperor  Caligula,  and  then 
banished.  At  lengdi,  according  to  some  historians^ 
he  put  an  end  to  his  MTctched  life  with  his  own  hands 
in  his  exile.  Thus  the  Divine  vengeance  pursued 
this  unjust  judge,  and  punished  him  for  the  abuse  of 
his  poAvcr  in  condemning  the  innocent  Son  of  God. 
From  this  last  discourse  of  Pilate  with  our  blessed 
Saviour,  we  may  learn  the  following  truths  : 

].  Servile  fear  and  terror  may,  indeed,  cause  great 
emotions  in  the  human  heart,  but  can  never  work  v. 
thorough  change  and  amendment  of  it. 


THE   TRIBUNAL  OF   PILATE,  157 

Pilate,  who  naturally  did  not  want  courage  and  re- 
solution, was  yet  struck  with  a  secret  fear  by  the 
rays  of  the  divinity  which  beamed  forth  in  Jesus 
Christ.  He  was  greatly  afraid  when  he  understood, 
that  he  had  proceeded  so  far  against  a  person  who  af- 
firmed that  he  was  a  son  of  God,  and  his  conscience 
tbrboded  him  no  good  for  having  suffered  his  soldiers 
to  use  Jesus  in  so  contemptuous  and  inhuman  a  man- 
ner. But  Pilate  was  only  actuated  by  a  base  and  ser- 
vile fear.  He  was  not  much  concerned  because  lie 
had  committed  these  acts  of  injustice  and  cruelty  ; 
but  his  feai'  proceeded  from  the  apprehension,  that  the 
gods  would  not  fail  of  punishing  him  in  due  time  for 
the  indignities  he  had  offered  to  that  divine  person, 
who  was  the  son  of  a  deity.  This  servile  fear  had 
not  in  the  least  cured  the  malignity  of  Pilate's  heart ; 
for  we  find  all  his  natural  pride  breaking  forth  soon 
after,  in  these  words  :   '  Speakest  thou  nor  unto  me?"' 

However,  Pilate  by  his  fear  on  this  occasion  may" 
put  thousands  of  bold,  licentious  Christians  to  the 
blush.  This  heathen  was  afraid,  because  he  had  suf- 
fered a  son  of  the  gods  to  be  scourged.  But  who 
among  us  is  afraid,  when  he  is  informed  by  the 
apostle  that  by  his  sins  he  has,  as  it  were,  crucified 
the  Son  of  God  afresh,  (Heb.  vi.  6.)  But  granting, 
that  it  might  occasion  in  such  persons  a  servile  fear  ; 
yet  this  is  not  sufficient  to  convert  the  heart.  On  the 
contrary,  fatal  experience  she^vs  that  those,  whom  a 
base  and  servile  fear,  as  the  first  fruits  of  repentance^ 
had  thrown  into  extreme  dejection  and  agonies  of 
mind,  have  generally  on  their  recovery  from  such  a 
state  become  more  bold,  licentious,  and  secure  than 
they  were  before.  Butj,if  the  sinner  lets  this  servile 
fear  get  the  dominion  over  him,  it  will  only  lead  him 
to  despair.  A  sinner  who  is  accused  by  his  own 
conscience  must  at  first  be  awakened  bv  a  servile 
fear ;  v/hich  causes  him  to  be  afraid  of  God  as  a 
righteous  judge,  and  of  his  temporal  and  eternal  pu- 
nishments.    This  fear,  as  it  were,  compels  him  tc 

VOL.  jr.  :; 


138  Christ's  siTFrEiiiNGS  ijeiore 

abstain  from  many  outxvard  sins.  But  this  servile 
fear  of  the  divine  Justice  must  afterwards  be  gradual- 
ly purified,  and  refined  into  a  filial  awe  and  reverence, 
by  the  glorious  gospel  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus ;  and 
nuist  be  tempered  with  the  iove  of  God,  which  alone 
mends  the  heart,  and  produces  in  it  a  willing'  propen- 
sity to  good. 

Reflect  all  ye,  vvho  liy  the  convictions  of  your  con- 
sciences are  awakened  to  a  servile  fear,  that  you  are 
yet  advanced  no  farther  than  Pilate  who  was  a  hea- 
then; and  thnt,  if  you  breaic  off  here,  or  intend  to 
proceed  no  farther  in  the  uork  of  conversion  to  God, 
you  V.  ill  be  as  little  benefited  by  such  convictions  of 
your  guiit,  as  he  was  by  his  conviction  of  our  Saviour's 
uinoccnce  :  Come  therefore  to  God  by  Clirist,  the 
I'Son  of  his  love,  who  will  fill  your  hearts  with  perfect 
love,  which  casteth  out  flavish  fear,  (1  John  iv.  18.) 

O  laithlul  Saviour !  do  thou  fill  our  hearts  with  a 
filial  love  aiid  lear  ol  God,  that  \\e  may  not  only  avoid 
the  punishments  due  to  sin,  but  have  an  inward  ab- 
horrerr'.-c  of  sin  itself ;  especially  as  it  brought  so  many 
sufferings  on  thy  sacred  person,  and  caused  thy  death 
on  the  cross. 

2.  I'here  arc  many  in  our  days  Svho  resemble  Pi- 
late ;  who  out  of  vdin  curiosity  are  starting  questions 
on  the  sublimest  mysteries  of  religion,  but  at  the  same 
time  shew  a  contempt  of  its  fundamental  truths. 

Pilate,  as  we  have  observed  above,  had  paid  no  re- 
gard to  the  confession,  which  Christ  had  made  before 
liim  concerning  his  kingdom  ;  and  had  made  a  jest  of 
that  important  truth^  which  Christ  came  into  the 
world  to  promulgate.  But  now  he  is  for  scaling  the 
third  heaven  at  once,  and  witli  his  profane  heathenish 
understanding,  would  fain  penetrate  into  the  most  ex- 
alted mystery  of  Faith,  namely,  the  eternal  generation, 
of  the  Son  from  the  Father.  But  how  many  are  there, 
wiio  in  our  da}s  presumptuously  dispute  and  pretend 
to  explain  the  mysteries  of  religion,  before  they  know 
the  first  elements  of  Christianity,  and  while  they  arc 


iJi 


THE   TIIIBUNAL    OF   PILATE.    .  139 

biaves  to  their  lusts  and  passion.  Young  sturlcnts  in 
divinity,  by  the  conceit  they  entertain  of  their  proud 
reason,  are  most  in  danger  of  this  presumption.  But 
too  many  of  those,  who  vainly  dispute  about  these  aw- 
ful mysteries  of  our  religion,  are  but  babes  in  the 
practice  of  Christianity  ;  tu'e  strangers  to  repentance, 
self-denial,  taking  up  the  cross,  and  carrying  it  after 
Christ ;  and  indeed,  to  learn  and  practice  such  things 
is  generally  the  least  of  their  desires.  God  reveals 
his  secrets,  as  far  as  it  concerns  us  to  knoM%  to  babes 
and  to  the  humble,  but  not  to  those  proud  spirits  wiio 
are  for  unfolding  every  thing  by  the  riatural  dint  of 
their  genius,  and  arrogantly  soar  above  the  native  sim- 
plicity of  God's  word. 

Blessed  Jesus  !  preserve  us  from  all  presumption 
and  vain  curiosity  in  spiritual  things.  Grant  that  wc 
may  know  ourselves,  and  from  whence  we  are,  name- 
ly, of  sinful  origin,  before  we  take  upon  us  presump- 
tuously to  explain  thy  mysterious  generation,  and  say. 
Whence  art  thou  ?  Let  us  first  examine  our  own  sin- 
ful genealogy,  before  we  presume  to  trace  that  of 
heaven.  May  we  rather,  after  the  example  of  thine 
elect  angels,  as  often  as  we  look  into  the  mysteries  of 
thy  sacred  person  and  office,  bow  down  our  heads  in 
token  of  our  devout  humility  and  reverence. 

3.  The  wisdom  of  speaking  aiid  being  silent  at 
proper  seasons,  must  be  learned  in  the  school  of  Christ. 

Here  we  find  remarkable  instances  of  both.  Here 
our  wise  Redeemer  gave  sufficient  proof  that  he  knev/ 
when  to  speak,  and  when  to  be  silent.  This  consum- 
mate wisdom  no  man  is  naturally  possessed  of.  The 
natural  man  often  speaks  when  he  should  be  silent, 
and  is  silent  when  he  should  open  his  mouth.  He 
speaks  whenever  his  own  honour  is  called  in  question, 
and  launches  out  into  diffuse  apologies  ;  on  tlic  other 
harid,  he  has  not  a  Vv'ord  to  say  when  he  should  stand 
up  for  God's  honour,  and  vindicate  the  character  of 
his  nei,^hbour  when  he  is  wrongfully  accused.  But 
-Ms  v/ise  lesson  of  speaking  and  !:<C!!ig  silent  on  pro- 


140  Christ's  sufferi^^gs  before 

per  occasions,  is  to  be  learned  only  in  the  school  of 
our  crucified  Saviour.  For  the  inordinate  desires  of 
the  heart  are  crucified  on  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  are 
thus  brought  into  due  order  ;  whereas  they  would 
otherwise  extend  their  dominion  over  the  tongue,  and 
make  it  speak  or  be  silent,  just  as  the  interest  of  self- 
love  required.  On  the  other  hand  by  the  grace  im- 
parted to  us  by  Jesus  Christ,  we  acquire  an  undaunted 
freedom  to  open  our  mouths  and  speak  boldly,  when, 
the  honour  of  God,  and  the  good  of  our  neighbour  re  - 
quire  it ;  though  we  foresee  at  the  same  time,  that  it 
will  draw  hatred  and  contempt  upon  us. 

Teach  us,  O  blessed  Jesus,  that  great  wisdom 
which  no  human  skill  can  acquire.  Keep  the  door  of 
our  lips,  that  we  may  learn  to  be  silent  when  thy  hon- 
our will  not  be  promoted  by  our  speaking.  On  the. 
other  hand,  open  thou  our  mouths  by  thy  secret  Epha- 
tha,  when  we  are  called  upon  to  defend  thy  honour 
and  bear  witness  to  the  truth. 

4.  He  that  knows  the  danger  of  being  entrusted 
with  worldly  power  and  authority,  will  not  boast  of 
such  power  when  he  is  possessed  of  it ;  nor  will  he  too 
eagerly  desire  it,  if  he  has  it  not. 

Probably,  Pilate  would  have  less  to  answer  for  in  the 
great  day  of  account,  if  his  power  in  the  days  of  his 
life  had  been  less  extensive.  This  will  also  be  the  un- 
liapp}'  case  of  many  others.  As  carnal  men  abuse  all 
the  precious  gifts  of  Heaven  ;  as  they  employ  their 
riches  in  riot  and  excess,  and  dedicate  their  beauty  to 
voluptuousness,  their  learning  and  parts  to  wicked 
devices  ;  so  do  they  generally  abuse  the  power  which 
Cod  has  committed  to  their  care,  in  their  respective 
oflices.  How  few,  alas,  know  how  to  make  a  right 
use  of"  it  !  how  many  convert  it  into  an  instrument  of 
destruction  to  themselves  and  others !  That  officer, 
who  has  but  fifty  or  a  hundred  men  under  his  com- 
mand, immediately  fancies  that  he  may  do  with  them 
as  he  pleases  ;  that  lie  may  treat  them  with  the  ut- 
most  haughtiness  and  cruelty  ;  and  that  none  of  them 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  14l 

must  dare  to  open  his  mouth  against  his  arbitrary  pro- 
ceedings. But,  alas,  how  wretchedly  do  these  uien. 
deceive  themselves !  Men  in  power  should  consider, 
that  they  are  partakers  of  the  same  common  humani- 
ty with  those  whom  they  command ;  that  they  have 
naturally  no  superiority  over  them  ;  that  God  is  the 
only  potentate  ;  (1  Tim.  vi.  15.)  and  that  they  owe 
their  power  to  his  free  Grace,  who  has  imparted  to 
them  the  image  of  his  supreme  dominion,  and  has 
placed  them  over  others  in  the  kingdom  of  his  po\ver. 
But  at  the  same  time,  they  should  reflect,  that  God 
will,  one  day,  require  of  them  a  strict  account,  how 
they  have  used  the  power  they  had  been  entrusted 
with  ;  and  that  he  will  then  shevv*  mercy  to  the  poor 
and  oppressed,  but  as  the  book  of  Wisdom  expresses 
it,  (Matt.  vi.  -2 — 7.)  will  mightily  torment  the  mighty/ 
men,  i.  e.  those  who  have  used  their  power  to  the  op- 
pression of  others,  and  contrary  to  the  end  for  which 
it  was  ordained.  If  these  things  were  duly  consider- 
ed, those  who  are  in  authority  would  use  their  power 
Avith  fear  and  trembling.  We  should  not  en^y  others 
their  power,  nor,  vi'hen  ^\'e  see  how  the  high  and  migh- 
ty are  obeyed  at  a  word,  \"^'ish  for  their  exalted  sta- 
tions. Let  us  rather  sit  down  contented  in  a  low 
and  humble  station,  as  it  exposes  us  to  less  danger 
here,  and  we  shall  have  the  less  to  answer  for  hereafter. 

Give  us  herein  to  be  of  thy  mind,  O  blessed  Jesus, 
who  in  the  humble  state  of  thine  abasement,  wast 
subject  to  every  ordinance  of  man,  and,  in  the  glori- 
ous state  of  thine  exaltation,  didst  use  thy  unlimited 
power  for  the  benefit  of  mankind,  and  the  .sood  of 
thy  church.  Grant  that  all  subjects  may  imitate  thee 
in  the  former,  and  that  all  sovereigns  and  persons  in 
power  may  follow  thy  illustrious  example  in  the  lat- 
ter. 

5.  It  was  for  our  pride  and  haughtiness,  which 
would  not  be  controlled  by  tlie  Divine  i;.w,  tlvr  the 
Son  of  God  subjected  himself  to  the  power  cf  a  tcreigu 
judge. 


i42  Christ's  sufferings  uefore 

Alas!  the  only  Son  of  the  Father,  the  judi^eof  all 
flesh,  would  never  have  suffered  himself  to  be  brought 
before  the  tribunal  of  a  Roman  governor,  and  hear 
from  him  these  iiisuiting  words,  Knowest  thou  not 
that  I  have  power  to  crucify  thee  ?'  '  if  it  had  not  been 
for  our  fall.'  Our  minds  were  filled  with  aspiring 
thoughts  ;  nothing  but  absolute  freedom  and  inde- 
pendency would  satisfy  us ;  and  we  were  for  being 
our  own  masters,  without  any  superior  to  control  u&. 
This  haughty  temper  is  innate  in  the  meanest  peasant, 
who,  naturally,  will  neither  submit  to  God  or  man. 
Therefore,  He  from  ^vhom  men  hold  their  power 
himself  submitted  to  human  power,  and,  in  order  to 
atone  for  our  arrogance  and  refractoriness,  humbled 
himself  under  the  authority  of  a  Pagan  judge.  But 
if  we  would  receive  any  benefit  from  Christ's  abase- 
ment, we  must  not  continue  under  the  dominion  of 
this  natural  depravity  ;  but,  with  shame,  sorrow,  and 
contrition,  bring  our  rebellious,  refractory  minds, 
which  would  tear  asunder  the  bands  of  ail  order  and 
society,  to  the  obedience  of  the  cross,  and  pray  that  our 
ungovernable  pride  may  be  changed  into  submission 
and  lowliness. 

O  my  Saviour !  do  thou  subdue  our  hearts,  and 
break  our  stubborn  tempers,  and  make  them  con- 
formable to  thy  gentle,  passive,  and  obedient  mind. 
Give  us  such  a  ready  willingness  to  submit  to  all 
lawful  authority,  that  we  may  rather  choose  to  obey 
than  to  command. 

lie,  who  suffers  himself  to  be  seduced  lo  sin  by 
others,  is  by  no  means  innocent  in  the  sight  of  God  ; 
though  the  person  diat  seduced  him  has  more  to  an- 
sw'tr  for. 

The  guilt  of  the  seducer  most  certainly  exceeds 
that  of  the  seduced,  and  consequently  the  former  may 
expect  a  heavier  judgment  than  the  latter.  This  is 
evident  from  the  words  of  our  blessed  Saviour  :  '  He 
who  delivered  mc  unto  thee,'  and  thus  seduced  thee 
to  all  these  acts  of  injustice,  '  hath  the  greater  sin.' 


i 


THE    TRIBrTNAL    OF    PIIATE.  i4S 

In  these  words,  our  blessed  Lord  allows  that  there 
arc  degrees  of  sin.  Judas,  Annas,  and  Caiphas,  to- 
gether with  the  great  council  of  the  Jews,  sinned 
more  in  their  proceedings  against-  Christ,  than  Pilate 
did  :  For  they  had  more  knowledge  ;  their  sin  was 
preceded  by  longer  consultations  ;  they  had  likewise 
received  more  admonitions;  they  were  under  a  greater 
obligation,  by  shewing  a  good  example,  to  set  Pilate 
in  the  right  way  ;  ':md  lastl\',  they  added  hypocrisy  to 
their  wickedness,  and  abused  the  word  of  God,  by 
making  it  a  cloak  for  their  villainy.  Hence  arc  de- 
rived the  following  rules,  by  which  we  may  measure 
the  degrees  of  those  sins,  which  are  committed  under 
different  circumstances. 

1.  The  more  knowledge  any  person  is  endowed 
with,  the  greater  is  his  sin,  (Luke  xii.  47.) 

2.  The  more  premeditation  precedes  any  sin,  the 
greater  is  the  sin  ;  since  such  previous  consideration 
shews  the  force  of  the  sinful  purpose,  and  a  pertena- 
cious  perseverance  in  wickedness. 

3.  The  more  admonitions  have  preceded  any  sin- 
ful act,  the  greater  is  the  sin. 

4.  The  greater  the  obligation  a  person  has  to  set 
a  good  example  to  others,  the  greater  the  sin  which 
he  commits. 

5.  The  more  hypocrisy  is  intermixed  with  a  wick- 
ed action,  the  greater  is  the  sin.  But  at  present  I 
shall  wave  any  farther  enlargement  upon  this  subject. 

\Ve  shall  at  this  time  only  take  notice  of  the  fol- 
lowing rule,  namely.  That  the  sin  of  the  seducer  is 
greater  than  the  sin  of  the  seduced  ;  and  this  obser- 
vation is  so  clearly  proved  by  the  words  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  as  to  be  above  all  contradiction.  O  that  this 
truth  ma)^  be  particularly  attended  to  bv  all  those, 
who  have  made  such  progress  in  satari's  school,  that 
he  can  use  them  as  engines  to  seduce  others.  Is  it 
not  sufficient,  ye  sons  of  wickedness,  that  \  ou  treasure 
up  against  the  day  of  v/rath  and  the  just  judgment  ci' 
God,  a  treasure  of  wrath,  by  your  own  sins  ?   Will  y<- 


l44         chiust's  sufferings  uefore 

increase  your  damnation  by  seducing  others  to  com- 
init  sins,  which  will  be  placed  to  your  enormous  ac- 
count ?  Acknowledge  your  heinous  guilt ;  lament 
ihe  malignity  of  your  hearts  j  humble  yourselves  be- 
fore your  Lord  and  Saviour,  who  humbled  himself 
under  this  kind  of  suffering,  to  obtain  for  you  the  for- 
giveness of  your  deep  guilt,  and  the  grace  of  re- 
pentance and  amendment.  But  if  satan  has  made  you 
seducers  of  others,  be  earnest  in  your  prayers,  that  you 
may  be  changed  by  the  Divine  grace  ;  so  that  others 
may  be  edified  by  your  example,  and  brought  into 
the  way  of  life. 

THE    PRAYER. 

We  thank  thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  for  giving  up 
thy  dear  Son  to  a  foreign  power,  that  he  might  expi- 
ate and  atone  for  our  fall  and  disobedience,  by  which, 
\YQ  had,  as  far  as  in  us  lay,  withdrawn  ourselves  from 
our  obedience  to  thee.  We  beseech  thee,  that  thou 
wilt,  by  thy  holy  spirit,  soften  and  humble  our  stub- 
born hearts  and  our  refractory  will,  and  move  us  to 
a  sincere  repentance,  and  faith  in  thy  Son.  We  also 
thank  thee,  O  faithful  Saviour,  that  thou  didst  sub- 
mit to  be  thus  humbled  and  debased,  that  we  might 
be  exalted.  Make  us  partakers  of  thy  merit  for  the 
remission  of  our  sins,  and  grant  that  we  may  folloAV 
thy  example,  and  tread  in  thy  footsteps  ;  so  that  by 
submitting  ourselves  with  thee  here,  we  may  als©- 
rcis:n  with  thee  hereafter.     Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  XV. 

riLATE's    LAST,    EUT    FEEBLE     ENDEAVOUR    TQ' 

RELEASi:    THE    LORD    JESUS. 

'  AND  from  thenceforth  Pilate  scnight  to  release 
him  :  But  the  Jews  cried  out,  saying.  If  thou  let  this' 
man  go,  thou  art  not  Cesar's  friend :    ^^^logoevf r 


•SUE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  145 

rnaketh  himself  a  king  speaketh  against  Cesar. — - 
When  Pikite  therefore  heard  that  saying,  he  brought 
Jesus  forth,  and  sat  down  in  the  judgment-seut,  in  a 
pkice  that  is  called  the  Pavement,  but  in  Hebrew 
Gabbatha.  And  it  was  the  preparation  of  the  pass- 
over,  and  about  the  sixth  hour  :  And  he  saith  unto 
the  Jews,  Behold  your  king !  But  they  cried  out, 
Away  with  him  !  away  with  hmi !  crucily  him  !  Pi- 
late saith  unto  them.  Shall  I  crucify  your  king  ? — - 
The  chief  Priests  answered,  We  have  no  king  but 
Cesar.  When  Pilate  s^w  that  he  could  prevail  no- 
thing, but  that  rather  a  tumult  was  made,  he  took 
water,  and  washed  his  hands  before  the  multitude, 
saying,  I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  this  just  per- 
son :  See  ye  to  it.  Then  answered  all  the  people, 
and  said.  His  blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children  ! 
Then  delivered  he  him  therefore  unto  them  to  be 
crucified.'  (Matt,  xxvii.  24,25.  John  xix,  12 — 16.) 

In  these  words  we  have  an  account  of  the  last  iruii- 
less  attempt  of  Pilate  to  release  our  blessed  Savioiu' ; 
in  which  we  shall  observe. 

First,  Pilate's  intention. 

Secondly,  The  violent  effort  of  the  Jews  which 
rendered  his  purpose  ineffectual. 

Thirdly,  The  consequence  of  his  timidity  and  ir- 
resolution. 

I.  Pilate's  design  is  expressed  in  the  following 
words  :  '  From  thenceforth  Pilate  sought  to  release 
him,'  (John  xix.  12.)  Pilate  had  already  laboured 
with  this  view,  and  had  endeavoured  to  compass  his 
ends  partly  by  fear,  and  partly  by  unwairantable 
means.  Now  he  again  resolves  to  set  about  it  once 
more,  and,  by  an  authoritative  order,  at  once  to  re- 
lease Jesus.  Phis  fresh  attempt  of  Pilate,  we  must 
suppose  to  have  been  occasioned  by  our  blessed 
Lord's  \vords,  when  he  said,  '  Thou  couldest  hivve  no 
power  at  all  against  me,  except  it  were  given  thee 
from  above.  Therefore  he  that  delivered  me  uiito 
thee  hath  the  greater  bin.'    In  these  remarkable  word's 

"V-oj..   J  I,  7: 


146  chiust's  sufferings  befoite 

.kfsus  makes  mcr/tion  of  a  power  given  to  Pilate  over 
his  person  i'rom  above  ;  but,  at  the  s  ime  time,  sig- 
nifies to  him,  that  if  he  abused  that  power,  he  Would 
commit  a  licinous  sin,  and  draw  upon  himself  a  e^riev- 
ous  punishm^Mit  from  above.  Now  these  were  such 
truths  as  inmiediately  touched  Pilate's  natural  con- 
science to  the  quick  ;  and  this  being  added  to  the 
fear  he  was  already  seized  with,  on  account  of  the  in- 
formation he  had  received  that  Jesus  was  the  Son  of 
God,  excited  this  pagan  judge  to  make  a  fresh  effort 
to  release  Jesus.  Hence  we  shall  deduce  the  follow- 
ing truths : 

1.  A  free  confessio]i  of  the  truth  has  a  great  in-- 
fluence  over  the  human  mind,  and  is  attended  with 
a  blessing. 

VV^e  here  see  in  Pilate  an  instance,  that  sometimes 
even  the  most  haughty  and  unjust  persons  are  moved 
by  an  ingciuous  confession.  A  similar  instance  oc- 
curs m  the  liie  of  St.  Paul,  (Acts  xxvi.  31,  32.)  who 
by  a  noble  freedom  and  bold  declaration  of  the  truth, 
convinced  his  judge,  that  he  had  done  nothing  amiss. 
The  same  effect  the  declarations  of  the  primitive 
Christians,  in  the  succeeding  persecutions,  had  oa 
the  hearts  of  the  heathens  ;  for  by  the  power  of  truth, 
they  made  such  an  impression  on  the  consciences  of 
their  judges,  diat  they  were  sometimes  observed  to 
turn  paie  and  tremble  amidst  all  the  state  and  po  p 
of  their  office.  Let  us  therefore  implore  of  God  to 
give  us  the  boldness  of  faith ;  and  let  us  use  it 
wiih  humility  and  discretion  according  to  our  Savi- 
our's example,  and  then  it  will  prove  a  blessing  to 
ourselves  and  others. 

2.  God  sometimes  causes  the  purposes  of  the 
wicked  to  turn  out  quite  contrary  to  their  expecta- 
tions, in  the  event. 

The  chief  Priests  imagined,  that  by  accusing  the 
blessed  Jesus  of  having  made  himself  the  Son  ol  God, 
they  should  (j^uite  overcome  Pilate's  reluctancy,  and 
make  him  act  according  to  their  desires.     But  this 


THE     TRIBUXAL    OF    PILATIZ.  147 

aceusation,  on  the  contraiy,  only  made  IMIate  llic 
more  cautious  and  fearful  of  condemning  Christ,  and 
coRsequcntly  more  solicitous  for  liaving  him  re- 
leased. Tliis  is  frequently  the  case  in  our  days,  satan 
and  the  world  often  combine  to  do  all  the  hurt  they 
can  to  a  soul,  that  is  earnestl}-  bent  on  tursiing  froni 
them  to  Jesus  Christ.  The  former  assails  it  from 
within,  the  latter  attacks  it  from  without.  Both  of 
them  endeavour  to  terrify  the  afflicted  soul,  so  that 
it  may  cast  away  all  hopes  of  deliverance.  By  God's 
superintending  providence,  tliese  wicked  machina- 
tions have  quite  another  eftect ;  for  a  soul  thus  agi- 
tated by  the  buffetings  of  satan,  and  the  injuries  of 
the  world,  is  driven  to  pra}'er  and  repentance,  and  by 
that  means  to  the  bosom  of  everlasting  love.  Thus 
the  goodness  and  wisdom  of  God  are  able  to  turn  the 
most  pernicious  views  of  satan  to  the  good  ol  our 
souls.  What  an  invaluable  privilege  is  this  of  the 
children  of  God,  that  among  all  the  devices  of  their 
spiritual  and  temporal  enemies,  they  may  be  easy, 
confident,  and  undaunted?  thai  they  may  joyfully 
bay  with  the  generous  patriarch  Joseph,  '  \'e  ihought 
evil  against  me  ;  but  God  meant  it  unto  Good,'  (Gen. 

II.  In  the  next  place,  we  are  to  consider  the  vib- 
lent  effort,  which  rtndeied  the  purpose  ot  Piiate  in- 
efiectual.  As  Pilate  did  not  set  out  right  at  first, 
nor  walk  in  the  plain  and  strait  path  of  justice,  his 
subsequent  endeavours  to  release  Jesus  proA xd  .:l)or- 
tive  ;  and  his  resolution  was  so  shaken  b}-  a  violent 
tempest,  that  at  length  is  was  obliged  to  give  n'ay. 
For  the  Jews,  perceiving  wiiat  Piiate  had  in  vio\v, 
cried  out,  'If  thou  let  this  mango,  thou  art  not  Ce- 
sar's friend :  \v  hosoever  maketh  himself  a  king, 
speaketh  against  Cesar.'  Here  the  Jcv/s  have  re- 
course ;igain  to  their  former  accusation,  and  charge 
om-  blessed  Lord  with  crimes  against  the  Roman 
,  goverinnent.  As  Pilate  had  betrayed  some  visible 
>igns  oi"  fear  upon  hearing  the  other  charge,  namely , 


148         Christ's  sufferings  beforl* 

that  Jesus  made  himself  the  Son  of  God ;  they  drop 
the  theological  article,  and  revive  tlie  old  complaint^ 
affirming  that  he  set  himself  up  for  a  king. 

But  here  they  also  give  fresh  force  to  their  first 
accusation,  by  deducing  from  it  such  an  alarming  in- 
ference, as  might  well  stagger  Pilate's  resolution. 
Their  inference  was  this :  Whosoever  maketh  him- 
self a  king  speaketh  against  Cesar,  i.  e.  opposes  the 
Roman  emperor's  right  over  the  province  of  Judea^ 
and  thereby  lays  a  foundation  for  tumults  and  rebel- 
lion. This  position  in  itself  is  not  ill  grounded. 
When  a  person  gives  himself  out  to  be  a  king,  and 
attempts  to  get  the  government  into  his  hands,  in  a 
country  over  which  there  is  a  settled  sovereign,  he 
must  undoubtedly  be  looked  on  as  an  enemy  of  th& 
reigning  sovereign.  But  from  this  true  position  they 
draw  a  very  wrong  conclusion.  "  This  Jesus,  say 
they,  gives  it  out  in  Judea  that  he  is  a  king  ;  therefore 
he  speaks  against  Cesar."  From  this  they  farther 
conclude,  that  if  Pilate  should  let  this  man  go,  he  was 
not  Cesar's  friend.  For  how  should  he  be  a  friend 
to  the  emperor,  who  protected  a  person  that  was  his 
open  enem}' ;  and  when  the  prisoner  is  brought  be- 
fore him  in  bonds  and  fetters,  in  order  to  be  punished, 
is  for  letting  him  go,  that  he  may  again  carry  on  his 
seditious  practices  against  Cesar.  This  false  reason- 
ing struck  this  mighty  statesman  with  a  terrible  panic ; 
and  he  was  so  entangled  in  this  web  which  these  so- 
phistcrs  had  spun,  that  he  was  not  able  to  extricate 
himself  out  of  it.  The  fear  of  the  emperor's  displea- 
sure, with  which  he  was  indirectly  threatened,  shook 
the  foundations  of  his  good  intention,  so  that  he  fiuc- 
,  tuated  between  doubts  and  fears. 

Hence  we  shall  deduce  the  following  truths  :  v 

1.  Satan  is  very  dexterous  in  attacking  every  man 
on  ihat  side,  where  he  can  make  the  least  defence. 

This  was  the  way  he  went  to  work  with  Pilate. 
The  menace  of  the  Emperor's  displeasure  ^vas  a 
thunder- clap,  which  struck  him  v.ilh  such  dread  and 


I 


'£HE    TRIBUNAL    OF  PILATE.  149, 

consternation  that  he  could  not  again  collect  himself. 
Thus  satan  found  out  his  weak  side,  where  he  was  the 
least  prepared  for  an  attack.  For  there  is  nodiinpj 
which  ministers  of  state  are  more  afraid  of  than  their 
sovereign's  displeasure  ;  being  very  sensible,  that  it 
may  be  attended  with  disgrace  and  the  loss  of  all  their 
temporal  possessions. 

This  advantage  the  subtil  fiend  continually  makes 
use  of,  to  tempt  men  to  sin.     He  knows  the  natural 
constitution  and  predominant  inclinations  of  every  one, 
and  directs  his  temptations  accordingly.     He  knows 
how  to  lay  the  bait  to  allure,  and  at  other  times  how  to 
terrify  the  sinner.     The  proud  and  ambitious  man  he 
entices  to  sin  by  the  hopes  of  tempond  honours,  and 
terrifies  him  with  tlie  fear  of  disgrace,  and  of  being  de- 
prived of  his  posts  and  dignities.     He  allures  a  vo- 
luptuous sensualist  by  the  bait  of  canial  delights  and 
elegant  entertainments  ;  and,  on  the  other  hand,  he  ter- 
rifies him  with  the  fear  of  affliction,  imprisonmnent, 
distress,  and  pain.     He  draws  in  the   miser  by    the* 
hopes  of  profit,  and  other  temporal  advantages,  and 
terrifies  him  with  the  fear  of  losing  his  estate  and 
money.     When,  for  instance,  a  man  is  immoderately- 
fond  of  this  world,  and  falls  into  such  circumstances, 
that,  on  one  side,  he  has  hopes  of  making  great  addi- 
tions to  his  fortune  by  renoiuicing  the  truths  of  the 
gospel,  and  going  over  to  the  kingdom  of  darkness  ; 
but,  on  the  other  hand,  by  steadfastly  adhering  to  the 
pure  truth  of  the  gospel,  he  is  in  danger  of  being  strip- 
ped of  every  thing  he  hcis  ;  satan  points  his  batteries 
against  that  side  of  the  heart  where  it  is  ^^'eakest.     He 
lays  hold  of  him  by  his  fondness  for  earthly  things, 
and  suggests  to  him,  that  he  may  for  once  set  aside 
his  conscience,  otherwise  he  must  be  reduced  to  want 
and  poverty.     At  the  same   time,  he  represents  the 
danger  to  be  very  great,  and  the  loss  irretrievable;  so 
that  at  length,  the  unwary  sinner,  unless  some  higher 
strength  enable  him  to  withstand  the  temptation,  and 
his  soul  be  fortified  by  grace,  sun'endcrs  himself  on 


150  Christ's  sufferings  before 

sataii's  terms.  Happy  are  they,  who  are  made  wise 
by  the  miscarriage  of  others  !  who  learn  to  secure  their 
innocence,  and  to  know  their  own  weakness,  that  the 
ev^il  one  may  not  take  advantage  of  it  to  their  destruc- 
tion. 

2.  We  can  never  be  secure  from  satan's  assaults  till 
w^e  liaAC  intrenched  ourselves  witliin  a  settled  resolu- 
tion of  denying  the  world. 

We  are  like  an  open  city,  without  fornication,  walls, 
or  motes ;  and  consequently  cannot  sustani  a  siege. 
This  Pilate  found  to  be  true  by  faial  experience. 
The  favour  of  the  Roman  Emperor  being,  as  he 
thought  of  greater  concern  to  him  than  a  good  con- 
science and  the  favour  of  God,  he  at  last  sunk  uiider 
tlie  temptation  which  assaulted  him.  By  one  indi- 
rect menace  of  the  Emperor's  displeasure,  he  lays 
down  his  arms.  His  haughtiness  which,  but  a  little 
before,  had  displayed  itself  in  these  arrogant  words, 
*  Knowest  thou  not  that  I  have  power  to  release  thee,' 
was  at  once  pulled  down  ;  and  the  devil  gained  a 
compleat  triumph  over  his  weakness. 

Thus  it  happens  when  a  man  accounts  the  friend- 
ship  of  the  world,  and  favour  of  the  great,  an  indis- 
pensibie  part  of  his  happiness.  1  hen,  in  order  to. 
avoid  the  loss  of  it,  integrity  and  a  good  conscience 
are  frequently  laid  aside,  and  he  becomes  the  con- 
temptible slave  of  those  whom  he  looked  upon  as  his 
vassals.  Here  we  see  how  far  the  natural  love  of  vir- 
tue and  justice  extends  ;  and  that  is  no  further  than 
to  tlie  confines  of  denying  the  world.  Pilate,  for  the 
sake  of  Christ  and  his  own  integrity,  should  have  ris- 
qued  the  danger  of  being  informed  against  at  Rome, 
as  a  favourer  of  the  emperor's  enemies  ;  on  the  con- 
trary, he  became  a  betrayer  of  Justice,  and  deli\ered 
the  innocent  into  the  hands  of  his  enemies.  Let  this 
]3C  a  warning,  and  powerful  incitement  to  us,  absOr 
lutely  to  deny  the  world  and  all  its  sinful  customs, 
'I'he  world  must  be  so  little  to  our  eyes,  and  our 
Sa\iour  so  great,  that  we   should  be  ready  to  part 


1 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE.  151 

with  all,  rather  than  oftend  him  by  any  delilDcrate  sin,' 
or  injure  his  honour.  This  renouncing  of  the  world 
is  the  partition-wall  between  mere  morality  and  gen- 
uine Christianity.  Whatever  progress  a  person  by  his 
natural  strength  may  make  in  the  government  of  his 
passions,  and  the  practice  of  outward  moral  virtues,  if 
he  does  not  deny  himself,  and  renounce  the  world,  he 
will  yield  to  the  first  temptation  that  assaults  him. 
Whoever  does  not  fear  and  love  God  above  all  things, 
and  put  an  entire  trust  and  confidence  in  him,  will 
not  be  able  to  act  even  in  a  temporal  office  with  un- 
tainted integrity,  and  a  conscience  void  of  offence ; 
much  less  will  he  be  able  worthily  to  discharge  ^a  spir- 
itu  li  office  :  But  as  soon  as  he  is  threatened  by  the 
great  and  powertul,  he  will,  like  Pilate,  set  aside  his 
conscience,  and  do  what  he  himself  knows  to  be  sin- 
ful. In  a  word,  he  will  not  be  able  rightly  to  perform 
one  single  duty  that  the  Christian  religion  requires. 
For  however  praiseworthy  his  intention  may  be,  and 
though  he  has  even  made  a  good  beginning  towards 
putting  it  into  execution ;  yet  when  he  comes  to  be 
menaced  by  others,  who  say  all  manner  of  evil  of  him  ; 
he  then  forgets  his  laudable  designs,  conforms  to  the 
world,  and  again  gives  himself  up  to  what  he  had 
hitherto  avoided  from  the  dictates  of  his  conscience. 
Hence  we  may  see,  that  Christ  lays  no  unnecessary 
burden  upon  us,  in  requiring  that  we  should  renounce 
the  world  ;  on  the  contrary,  we  should  look  upon  it 
as  a  necessary  preservative  against  the  snares  of  the 
tempter. 

III.  We  come,  in  the  last  place,  to  consider  the 
consequence  of  Pilate's  timidity  and  irresolution  ;  and 
here  the  three  following  particulars  deserve  our  no- 
tice. 

First,  The  preparation  made  for  condemning  the 
Lord  Jesus.  This  is  described  in  these  words  : 
'  When  Pilate  therefore  heard  that  saying,  he  brought 
Jesus  forth,'  out  of  the  haji  of  Judgment,  where  he  had 
privately  examined  him  whether  he  was  the  Sou  of 


152  Christ's  sufferings  before 

God,  *  and  sat  down  in  the  Judgment- seat,  in  a  plade 
that  is  called  the  pavement,  but  in  the  Hebrew  Gab. 
batha.'  There  was  probably  a  pompous  tribunal 
erected  adjoining  to  Pilate's  house,  on  a  raised  paved 
area,  where  he  usually  pronounced  sentence  of  death 
on  malefactors.  In  this  elevated  seat  of  judgment  he. 
seats  himself  with  great  parade  ;  and  as  he  had  ex- 
tremely weakened  his  authority  by  his  scandalous 
pliableness  throughout  this  whole  affair,  he  was  now 
for  recovering  the  respect  due  to  him,  by  pronoun- 
cing sentence  on  Jesus  with  great  pomp  and  solemnity, 
St.  John  likewise  particularly  specifies  the  time  of 
the  day,  and  the  season  of  the  year,  when  this  happen- 
ed. Concerning  the  latter  the  Evangelist  says,  '  It 
was  the  Preparation,'  /.  e.  the  day  before  the  Sabbath, 
(Mark  xv.  42.)  or  the  Friday  preceding  the  Passover, 
when  they  prepared  themselves  for  the  approaching 
Sabbath,  which  was  a  high  day,  and  to  be  observed 
with  particular  solemnity.  As  for  the  time  of  the 
day,  the  Evangelist  observes,  that  it  was  '  about  the 
sixth  hour,'  i.  e.  according  to  our  computation  of 
time,  about  twelve  of  the  clock  at  noon.  For  the 
Jews  used  to  compute  their  hours  from  Sun  rising, 
and  divided  the  day  into  twelve  equal  parts  or  hours, 
(See  John  xi.  9.)  '  Are  there  not  twelve  hours  in  the 
day  V  Thus  it  appears,  that  it  was  twelve  of  the  clock 
or  near  mid-day.  There  is  nothing  contradictory  tc 
this  in  the  gospel  by  St.  Mark,  (chap.  xv.  -25.)  whc 
says,  that  it  was  about  the  third  hour  when  they  cru-| 
cified  our  blessed  Saviour.  For  either  these  words 
may  be  rendered, '  It  was  the  third  hour,  after  they  hadj 
crucified  liim,'  namely,  when  the  soldiers,  as  wel 
have  observed  above,  parted  his  garments ;  or  the| 
third  hour  in  St.  Mark  may  be  understood  of  the 
second  larger  di\'ision  oi  the  day,  which  began  at  thel 
end  of  the  third  hour  i'rom  sun-rising.  For  as  the 
Jews  divided  the  night  into  four  parts  or  watches;  soi 
likewise  they  divided  the  day  into  four  parts  or  equal 
divisions;  cuiied  tlie  tempie-hours,  or  hours  of  praya". 


THE     TRIBUNAL    OF       PILATE.  i5S 

lEaeh  of  these  divisions  took  its  name  from  the  hour 
of  the  day,  at  the  end  of  vvliich  it  began.  For  in- 
stance, the  first  quarter  or  division  of  tlie  day  was 
called  the  first  temple-hour,  and  comprehended  the 
first,  second,  and  third,  of  the  twelve  common  hours 
of  the  day.  The  second  division  w^as  called  the  third 
temple-hour,  which  lasted  from  the  fourth  to  the 
fixth  hour  of  the  day  inclusively,  in  which  die  con- 
demnation of  Jesus  happened.  The  third  great  di- 
vision was  called  the  sixth  hour,  which  included  the 
seventh,  eighth,  and  ninth  hour  of  the  day,  during 
which  our  blessed  Saviour  was  crucified.  The  fourth 
division  was  called  the  ninth  hour,  and  this  included 
the  tenth,  eleventh,  and  twelfth  hour  of  the  day.  By 
either  of  these  methods,  the  two  Evangelists  may 
T'ery  easily  be  reconciled,  without  the  least  necessity 
of  making  any  alteration  in  the  text,  of  either  St.  John 
or  St.  Mark's  gospel.  Indeed  there  are  a  k\v  copies 
where  the  fourteenth  verse  of  the  nineteenth  chapter  of 
St.  John  runs  thus,  'It  was  about  the  third  hour.' 
This  was  the  preparation  which  Pilate  made  for 
condemning  the  Lord  Jesus.     After  this  follows. 

Secondly,  Pilate's  last  effort  to  release  our  blessed 
Lord  ;  but  this  w^as  very  faint,  and  proved  ineffec- 
tual. '  And  he  said  unto  the  Jews,  Behold  your 
king  !'  As  if  he  had  said,  Look  on  him  again;  con- 
sider how  severely  he  has  been  handled,  by  scourg- 
ing and  other  abuses.  Suppose  he  has  acted  indis- 
creetly, he  seems  to  have  been  sufficiently  punished  ; 
for  you  see  what  a  wretched  spectacle  he  is.  Now 
I  refer  it  to  you,  whether  it  woidd  not  better  become 
you  to  shew  him  mercy  and  spare  his  life,  than  to 
punish  him  any  farther. 

But  the  Jews  cried  out,  *  Away  with  him  !  Away 
with  him!  He  is  none  of  our  king,  Cruelly  him  P 
Hence  it  appears,  that  these  words  of  Pilate  only  ad- 
ded fuel  to  the  flames.  '  Pilate  then  saith  unto  them» 
shall  I  crucify  your  king  ?  He  now  \vouId  fain  ^vork 
on  them  by  remonstrating,  that  buch  an  action  would 
be  a  scandal  to  them,  and  what  an  indeliable  stain 

VOL.    II.  V 


154  CHRIST'o    GUTFERINGS    liEFORE 

they  would  bring  on  their  nation,  by  occasioning  it  t6' 
be  said  by  foreigners,  The  Jews  suffered  their  king 
to  be  crucified.  But  alas  I  such  motives  had  little 
iveight  with  a  tumultuous  rabble,  frantic  with  rage 
and  cruelt}'.  Upon  other  occasions,  men  are  apt  to 
stand  \'ery  much  on  tlieir  reputation,  and  think  that 
whoever  touches  their  character,  touches  their  life. 
But  this  their  so  highly  valued  reputation  they  wil- 
linsrly  sacrifice  to  their  hatred  against  Christ. 

Oil  this  remonstrance  of  Pilate,  the  chief  Priests 
at  last  broke  out  into  this  declaration,  which  redounds 
to  their  eternal  infamy.-  '  We  have  no  king  but  Ce- 
sar.' At  other  times  they  grievously  murmured 
against  the  Roman  yoke,  and  held  it  inconsistent  with 
duir  hoooLU'  and  liberty,  to  pay  tribute  to  the  empe- 
ror ;  but  their  hatred  against  Christ  made  them,  now 
pietend  to  be  very  loyal  subjects  to  Cesar,  rather  than 
acknowledge  for  their  Messiah  and  king,  the  unhnp- 
py  \ictim  of  their  malice  who  now  stood  before  them ; 
and  rather  than  take  on  themselves  the  easy  yoke  of 
Christ's  gospel,  they  chocse  to  be  vassals  and  ser- 
vants to  the  tyrannical  and  cruel  Tiberius,  In  this 
remarkable  dcelaiation,  the  Priests  and  Elders  of  the 
people  proceeded  to  such  a  pitch  of  abandoned  wick- 
edness, as  publicly  to  disoAvn  the  hope  of  Israel, 
namely,  the  Messiah,  who  had  been  promised  to  them 
under  the  title  of  a  king,  and  to  deny  this  important 
article  of  their  religion,  before  a  Pagan  governor.  At 
the  same  time,  by  these  words,  *  We  have  no  king 
but  Cesar,'  they  again  indirectly  threatened  him  with 
the  emperor's  displeasure  :  As  if  he  had  said,  **  Wc 
are  lo}  al  subjects  to  the  Kornan  emperor,  and  have 
brought  this  rebel  before  you  to  be  punished.  Now 
if  you  discharge  him,  we  are  obliged  in  conscience  as 
priests  and  rulers,  to  lay  a  report  of  it  before  his  Im- 
perial Majesty."  This  was  the  last  assault  on  IMlate's' 
heart,  which  carried  the  fortress  after  a  faint  resist- 
ance of  some  hours.     Upon  this  followed, 

Thirdlv,  The  actual  condemnation  of  the  Lord 
Jcbus ;  which  is  thus  related  by  bt.  Matthew,  (chap. 


THE     TRIBUNAL    OF   FILATE.  155 

xxvH-  24,  25.)  and  in  our  opinion,  may  very  pro- 
perly be  introduced  in  this  place.  '  When  Pii.ite 
saw  that  he  could  prevail  nothing,  but  that  rather  a 
tumult  was  made  j  he  took  water,  and  washed  his 
hands  before  the  muldtude,  saying,  I  am  inuoccnt  oi' 
the  blood  of  this  just  person:  See  ye  to  it.  Then 
answered  all  the  people,  and  said,  His  blood  be  oii 
us  and  our  children !  Then  he  delivered  him  to  be 
crucified.'     In  this  account  we  may  observe, 

1.  The  motives  that  induced  Pilate  to  condemn 
Jesus.  These  were  not  any  crimes  which  our  Lord 
h:,d  committed  :  for  of  those  which  had  been  laid  to 
his  charge,  the  judge  had  several  times  publicly  ac- 
qiutted  him.  Piiate  therefore  was  at  last  induced  to 
pronounce  the  sentence,  partly  because  there  was  no 
hopes  of  giving  a  turn  to  the  afiair,  by  bringing  the 
Jews  to  consent  that  Jesus  should  be  released  ;  and 
partly  because  there  was  reason  to  fear  that  farther  op- 
position might  occasion  an  insurrection  :  For  in  such 
a  case  the  people  would  have  assaulted  and  sacked  the 
governor's  house ;  and  consequently  Pilate  have  been 
brought  under  much  greater  difficulties  to  defend  his 
conduct  at  the  court  of  Rome.  These  were  the  mo- 
tives by  which  Pilate  was  at  last  induced  to  proceed 
to  the  condemnation  of  our  blessed  Saviour. 

2.  Pilate's  declaration  and  protest,  antecedent  to 
the  sentence.  '  Pilate,  as  the  E',angelist  observes, 
took  water  and  washed  his  hands  before  the  multi- 
tude.' It  was  an  usual  ceremony  both  among  the 
Jews  (Deut.  xxi.  6.)  and  heathens,  to  wash  the  hands 
as  a  token  of  a  person's  innocence.  Tiiis  custom 
Pilate  here  observes,  and,  besides  the  mere  ceremony, 
expresses  in  words  what  he  intended  by  this  symbol, 
by  sa}ing,  '  I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  this  just 
jnan  :  See  you  to  it.'  By  this,  he  once  more  publicly 
acknowledges  the  innocence  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  whom 
he  stiles  a  just  man,  an  appellation  which  Pilate's 
wife  had  before  given  to  our  blessed  Saviour.  He 
then  turns  off  the  blame  of  Christ's  death  from  him- 
belf  and  lavs  it  on  the  consciences  cf  the  J<"r.s,    'J'hus 


156  Christ's  sufferings  before 

his  design  was,  by  washing  his  hands,  to  hint  to  the 
Jews,  that  as  his  hands  which  he  had  just  washed 
were  entirely  clean,  so  would  he  be  clear  from  all 
guilt,  on  account  of  the  sentence  and  execution  of  this 
just  man.  As  if  he  had  said,  You  have  absolutely 
compelled  me  to  order  this  innocent  person  to  be 
crucified  and  put  to  death  ;  and  you  must  be  answer- 
able for  it  before  God  and  man. 

Upon  this,  these  infatuated  wretches,  without  any 
scruple,  took  the  guilt  of  this  horrid  crime  on  their 
own  consciences  ;  and  unanimously  cried  out,  '  His 
t)lood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children  !'  By  this  they 
signified,  that  they  were  certainly  convinced  that  this 
Jesus  deserved  to  die  as  a  seducer  of  the  people,  and 
that  Piiate  had  no  manner  of  reason  to  be  apprehen- 
sive of  being  called  to  any  account  for  it ;  but  that 
they  dealt  sincerely  with  him,  and  would  be  answer- 
able for  any  blame  which  he  might  incur  by  it,  before 
God  and  man.  Nay,  they  farther  engaged  their  own 
persons  and  their  children,  that  the  condemnation  of 
this  man  ^vould  not  be  followed  by  any  punishment; 
and  if  such  a  thing  should  happen,  which  was  not  at 
all  probable,  they  solemnly  promised  to  take  die 
whole  of  it  on  themselves  and  their  posterit3^  '  His 
blood,  said  they,  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children.'  O 
dreadful  words,  which  indicate  the  greatest  infatua- 
tion and  obduracy  !  How  soon  did  that  wretched  na- 
tion feel  the  load  of  this  curse  to  which  they  impi- 
ouslv  devoted  themselves,  and  which  fell  in  a  most 
signal- manner  on  their  heads,  and  that  of  their  de- 
scendants, who  have  been  groaning  under  its  oppres- 
sive weight  more  than  seventeen  centuries. 

3.  We  have  here  the  sentence  itself:  '  Then  he 
delivered  him  to  be  crucified.'  Now  Pilate,  sitting 
with  great  pomp  on  his  judgment-seat,  pronounced 
the  sentence  for  crucifying  Jesus,  and  declared  that 
he  would  give  him  up  to  his  soldiers  to  be  crucified  ; 
since  the  Jews  had  openly  declared,  that  they  would 
be  ansv.-erable  for  all  the  guilt  and  ill  consequences 
that  might  attepd  this  proceeding.     On  these  cir- 


THE   TRIBUNAL  OF  PILATE."  157 

cumstances,  we  shiill  make  the  following  observa- 
tions, with  which  we  shall  conclude  this  Conside- 
ration. 

First,  That  every  circumstance  of  our  blessed  Sa- 
viour's passion  has  been  conducted  by  the  Divine 
■wisdom. 

1.  It  was  not  by  mere  accident  that  Pilate  pronoun- 
ced sentence  on  the  blessed  Jesus  in  a  place,  which 
from  its  elevation  was  called  Gabbatha.  For  this  con- 
demned Jesus  was  to  sfcmd  for  an  ensign  lifted  up  on 
high  to  all  nations,  to  which  the  Gentiles  should  seek, 
(Isaiah  xi.  10.)  Therefore  his  sentence  of  condem- 
nation was  to  be  pronounced  in  a  raised  place,  pub- 
licly  in  the  eyes  of  the  whole  world,  and  not  in  a  cor- 
ner. 

2.  The  specifying  of  the  hour,  in  which  the  sen- 
tence was  pronounced,  indicates,  that  as  God  tells  the 
hours  in  the  suffering's  of  his  blessed  Son,  so  does  he 
likewise  in  the  suffering  of  his  children  by  grace  and 
adoption.  Time  never  seems  more  tedious  to  men, 
than  when  they  labour  under  sufferings.  Then  they 
not  only  count  the  days,  but  the  very  hours  and 
minutes.  But  God  likewise  counts  the  hours  of  their 
sufferings,  and  for  every  hour  of  pain,  reproach,  or 
mockery,  will  add  a  new  gem  to  their  diadem  of 
glory.  Hence  weought  to  be  thoroughly  persuaded, 
that  as  the  providence  of  God  over-ruled  with  re- 
gard to  the  time  and  place  of  the  condemnation  and 
crucifixion  of  our  blessed  Lord,  so  likewise  will  it 
also  direct  the  time  and  place  of  our  sufferings  for 
his  sake  ;  and  that  no  affliction  shall  befal  us,  at  any 
place  or  time  but  by  the  appointment  or  permission 
of  our  heavenly  Father,  the  supreme  disposer  of  all 
events. 

Secondly,  As  we  often  illegally  place  ourselves  on 
the  Judgment-seat  of  private  censure,  to  condemn  our 
innocent  neighbour  ;  so  the  Son  of  God  was  to  suffer 
himself  to^  be  condemned,  by  an  iniquitous  judge  on 
his  seat  of  judgment. 

Our  blessed  Lord  has  solemnly  warned  us,  saying, 
•  Judge  n9t  ;  condemn  not ;'  but  wlio  is  it  that  pays 


1^8  CirRIST^S    SUFFERINGS    BEFORE 

a  due  regard  to  these  precepts  ?  Of  all  our  Sn.viour's 
injunctions,  not  one  is  more  frequently  violated  thua 
this ;  and  this  is  frequently  done,  not  only  by  the  igno- 
rant and  unlearned,  but  by  those  also  who  know  bet- 
ter, and  observe  a  decent  regard  to  religion  in  their 
outward  behaviour.  At  polite  visits  and  other  meet- 
ings, what  is  the  usual  topic  of  conversation,  but  cen- 
sure? Wc  condemn  our  absent  neighbour  ;  his  ges- 
ture, his  sayings,  and  all  his  actions  are  canvassed  rv-.  r, 
exposed,  censured,  and  judged,  without  the  least  in- 
dulgence. On  such  occasions,  frequently  a  dcfi''ihve 
sentence  is  unj ustly  pronounced,  without  allowiuij^jhe 
party  condemned  a  hearing.  Now  us  we  bcj  oftci,  cis- 
cend  the  seat  of  judgment,  and,  instead  of  jutit-ing 
ourselves,  and  strictly  examining  our  own  ac."  ns, 
jprecipitately  condemn  our  neighbour ;  the  Sen  of  God 
was  pleased  to  submit  to  this  condtmnation,  w h-ch 
was  pronounced  from  an  unjust  tribunal.  Mciy  this 
consideration  awaken  in  us  all  an  absolute  abhorrence 
of  all  scandal,  rigid  censures,  and  calumny. 

Thirdly,  So  great  is  the  benevolence  of  God,  that 
he  often  out  of  his  exuberant  goodness,  as  it  were, 
presses  his  overtures  of  grace  on  man. 

As  Pilate,  in  the  instance  before  us,  is  for  obtru- 
ding Jesus  on  the  Jews  as  their  King,  when  they  ve- 
hemently rejected  him,  and  would  hear  of  no  such 
thing ;  God  often  proceeds  in  the  same  manner  with 
sinners,  not  only  by  making  a  tender  of  his  grace  to 
them  w  ith  smgular  impressions ;  but  he,  as  it  were, 
presses  them  to  accept  of  it.     Sometimes,  in  order  to 
win  their  stubborn  and  refractory  hearts,  he  showers  \ 
down  a  profusion  of  blessings  on  them.     Sometimes 
he  finds  it  necessary  to  make  use  of  the  rod  of  cor- 
rection ;  lays  them  on  a  sick  bed  ;  permits  them  to 
fall  into  difficulties  ;  and  by  these  visitations,  earnest- 
ly labours  to  gain  their  minds.     But  if,  after  all  these 
indulgent  trials  and  awakening  calls,  they  still  con- 
tinue unmoved  ;  what  can  follow  but  a  severe  account 
for  the  obstinate  rejection  of  such  repeated  offers  of 
grace  ?  But,  alas  !  how  often  have  we  been  thus  in- 


THE    TRIBUNAL    OF    PILATE,  \S9 

^Sensible  to  the  convictions,  admonitions,  and  chastise- 
nrnts,  oi  God's  blessed  Spirit;  so  that  in  a  carnal 
security,  we  have  wished  to  shake  them  off.  Now 
that  even  this  grievous  sin  might  be  remiilcd  to  the 
penitent,  the  Son  of  God  has,  by  these  circumstances 
oi  liis  passion,  acquired  the  remission  of  them. 

Fourthly,  The  sin   of  the  Jews  in  rejecting  the 
Messiah,  is  daily  committed  among  Christians. 

'J  his  is   frequently  done  by  those  worldlings,  who 
prefer  their  carnal  lusts  and  temporal  enjoyments  to 
tliat  fellowship  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  which  they  are  cal- 
led in  the  gospel.     The  Jews  cried  out,  '  We  ha\  e  no 
king  but  Cesar!'  And  does  not  the  covetous  man 
cry  out,  I  have  no  king  but  mammon  ?  The  proud 
and  ambitious  cries  out,  I  have  no  king  but  my  hon- 
our and  reputation  !  The  sensualist  cries  out,  I  have 
nokine^  but  pleasure  !  Away  with  such  a  king,  who 
commands  mt  to  crucify  my  flesh,  who  would  oblige 
me  to  break  with  my  jovial  compiaiions,  and  live  like 
a  hermit ;  away  with  him  !  such  a  sovereign  shall  by 
no  means  rule  over  me.     But  they  are  likewise  guilty 
of  the  same  crime  as  the  Jews  u^re,  though  in  an  in- 
direct manner,  who  seek  salvation  in  any  other  name, 
but  that  by  which  God  has  appointed  that  we  should 
be  saved,  (Acts  iv.  12.)  Those  who  would  obtain  an 
exemption  from  punishment,  forgiveness  of  sins,  eter- 
nal life  and  salvation,   by  the  merits  and  intercession 
of  others  among  the  livir.g,  or  the  dead,  presumptu- 
ously reject   the  Son  of  God  die  only  Mediator  and 
Saviour  of  mankind,  and  chuse  for  themsehes  other 
siiviours,  as  impotent  as  themsehes.     May  the  Lord 
keep  us  from  such  an  infatuation,  that  we  may  not  feel 
the  truth  of  these  words  of  the  Psalmist  :     '  Their 
sorrows  shall  be  multiplied  that  hasten  after  another 
God.'  (Psalm  x\i.  4.) 

Fifthly,   the  blood  of  Christ  has  both  a  vindictive, 
and  a  conciliatory  power. 

It  is  poured  do\vn  in  vengeance  on  those  ^vho  tres- 
pass against  it,  either  by  placing  in  it  a  carnal  and 
presumptuous  confidence,  notwidistanding  their  wick- 
ed lives  ajid impeniteiU  hearts ;  or  by  tixading  under 


160  Christ's  suffeiuncs,  &c. 

foot,  and  accounting  the  blood  of  the  covenant  an  uu* 
holy  thing.  These  deluded  sinners  will,  by  the  Di- 
vine justice,  be  persecuted  as  murderers  of  Christ; 
and  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  was  shed 
for  the  purifying  of  the  conscience,  and  the  forgive- 
ness of  sins,  will  be  poured  on  them  in  vengeance  and 
judgments.  On  the  other  hand,  i*s  healing,  concilia- 
tory pow'-r  manifests  itself  to  all  humble  broken,  and. 
contrite  hearts.  It  is  to  them  the  means  of  justifica- 
tion, and  all  their  sins  will  be  forgiven  them  in  con- 
sideration of  this  precious  blood.  It  is  poured  upoa 
them  in  sanctification  and  holiness ;  for  if  they  walk 
in  the  light,  it  more  and  more  cleanses  them  from  all 
sin  and  filthiness  of  flesh  and  spirit,  (1  John  i.  7. 
2  Cor.  vii.  1.)  It  also  pours  inexpressible  blessings  on 
their  hour  of  death,  and  opens  to  them  a  passage  from 
death  unto  life.  (John  v.  24.) 

May  God  of  his  infinite  mercy  grant,  that  the  blood 
of  Jesus  Christ  may,  in  this  blessed  manner  be  on  us^ 
and  on  our  children,  and  that  it  may  manifest  its  re- 
conciling, justifying,  and  sanctifying  power  in  all  our 
hearts !  May  he  further  be  pleased  to  grant,  that  all 
the  foregoing  Considerations  on  the  sufferings  of 
Christ  before  the  civil  Tribunal  of  Pilate  and  Herod 
may  be  of  real  benefit  to  our  immortal  souls  ! 

THE     PRAYER. 

O  FAITHFUL  Saviour!  may  thy  blood  be  onus, 
and  on  our  children,  not  in  its  vindictive,  but  its  con- 
ciliatory power,  to  the  quieting  of  our  consciences,' 
the  sanctifying  of  our  souls,  and  the  purifying  of  our 
hearts.  Bless  all  the  considerations  on  this  part  of 
thy  sufferings ;  and  grant  that  we  may  not  lose  or 
throw  any  grace  w  rought  in  us,  by  the  co-opperation, 
of  th}'  good  s})lrit.  We  recommend  to  thee  the  seed 
of  so  many  important  and  saving  truths,  now  sown ; 
water  them  with  the  salutary  dew  of  thy  blessing,  that 
they  may  bring  forth  in  use  the  fruit  of  good  livilig 
to  the  honour  and  praise  of  thy  name.    Amen. 

END    OF    THE    SECONJ)    TARTi 


PART    IIL 

OF    THE 

SUFFERINGS 

OF 

CHRIST 

ON     MOUNT    GOLGOTHA. 

The  accounts  given  by  the  four  Evangelists,  (Matto 
xxvii.  31 — 65.  Mark  xv.  20 — -47.  Luke  xxiii. 
26-— 56.  John  xix.  16 — 42.)  connected  and  har- 
monised. 

*  THEN  the  soldiers  took  off  the  purple  robe 
irom  Jesus,  and  put  his  own  raiment  on  him,  and 
led  him  away  to  crucify  him.  And  Jesus  went 
forth,  bearing  the  cross.  And  there  were  also  two 
malefactors  led  with  him  to  be  put  to  death.  And 
as  they  led  Jesus  away,  they  found  a  man  of  Cy- 
rene,  Simon  by  name,  the  father  of  Alexander  and 
Rufus,  who  passed  by,  coming  out  of  the  country: 
And  they  laid  hold  on  him,  and  compelled  him  to 
bear  his  cross  ;  and  on  him  tiiey  laid  the  cross,  that 
he  might  bear  it  after  Jesus. 

'  And  there  followed  him  a  great  company  of  peo- 
ple, and  women  who  also  bewailed  and  lamented  him. 
But  Jesus  turning  unto  them,  said,  daughters  of 
Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  me  ;  but  for  yourselves,  and 
for  your  children.  For,  behold,  the  days  are  couiing, 
in  which  they  shall  say,  blessed  are  the  barren,  and  the 
wombs  that  never  bare,  and  the  paps  that  never  gave 
suck.  Then  shall  they  begin  to  say  to  the  mountains, 
fall  on  us,  and  to  the  hills,  cover  us.  For  if  they  do 
these  tilings  in  a  green  tree,  wha':  sliuU  be  done  in  Uie 
dry? 

VOL.  ir.  5: 


162  CHUIST's    SUffERINGS 

*  And  thev  bring  h'n-n  u^to  a  place,  called  in  the 
Hebrew  Golgotha,  which  is,  being  interpreted,  the 
pi  ce  of  a  skuU.  And  they  gave  him  to  drink  vine- 
gar [or  sour  wine]  mingled  with  myrrh  and  gall : 
and  when  he  had  tasted  thereof,  he  would  not  drink  ; 
and  he  received  it  not.  And  they  crucified  him  there, 
and  two  other  malefactors  with  him,  one  on  the  right 
hand  and  the  other  on  the  left,  and  Jesus  in  the  midst. 
And  the  scripture  was  fulfilled,  which  saith,  and  he 
was  numbered  with  the  transgressors.  Then  saith 
Jesus,  Father,  forgive  them;  for  they  know  not  what 
they  do. 

'  And  Pilate  wrote  a  superscription  of  his  accusa- 
tion, and  put  it  on  the  cross.     And  the  writing  was, 

Ji-SUS     OF    NAZAREfJI    TJiE    KiNG     OF    THE    JeWS. 

Trds  title  then  read  many  of  the  Jews  ;  for  the  place 
where  Jesus  was  crucified  was  nigh  to  the  city  :  and 
it  was  written  in  Hebrew,  and  Greek,  and  L^tin. 
Then  said  the  chief  Priests  of  the  Jews  to  Pilate, 
write  not  the  Kiig  of  the  Jews  ;  but  that  he  said,  I 
am  the  King  of  the  Jews.  Pilate  answered,  What  I 
have  written,  I  have  written.  Then  the  soldiers,  when 
they  had  crucified  Jesus,  took  his  garments,  and  made 
four  parts  (to  every  soldier  a  part)  and  also  his  coat  : 
Now  the  coat  was  without  seam,  woven  from  the  top 
throughout.  They  said  therefore  among  themselves, 
Let  us  not  rend  it,  but  cast  lots  for  it,  whose  it  shall 
be.  And  they  cast  lots  upon  it,  what  every  man 
sliould  take ;  that  the  scrii)ture  might  be  fulfilled, 
Wiiich  saith,  They  parted  my  raiment  among  them, 
and  for  my  vesture  they  did  cast  lots.  These  things 
therefore  the  soldiers  did.  And  sitting  down,  they 
watched  him  there ;  and  it  was  about  the  third  hour 
when  they  crucified  him. 

'  And  tiie  people  stood  beholding  ;  and  they  that 
passed  by  reviled  him,  wagging  their  heads,  and  say- 
ing, I'hou  that  destroyest  die  Temple,  and  buildest  it 
in  three  days,  save  thyself ;  if  thou  be  the  Son  of  God, 
come  down  from  the  cross.     Likewise  abo  the  chief 


ON    MOUXT    GOLGOTHA.  163 

Priests,  mocking  him  with  the  Scribes  and  Flders, 
said,  He  saved  others,  himself  he  cannot  save.  If  he 
be  the  Christ,  the  King  of  Israel,  the  chosen  of  God, 
let  him  save  himself,  and  now  come  do\vn  from  the 
cross,  that  wc  may  see  it,  and  we  will  believe  him. 
He  trusted  in  God,  let  him  deliver  him  novv-,  if  he  will 
have  him  ;  for  he  said,  I  am  the  Son  of  God.  And 
the  soldiers  also  mocked  him,  coming  to  him  and  of- 
fering him  vinegar  ;  and  saying,  If  thou  be  the  King 
of  the  Jews,  save  thyself.  The  thieves  also,  who 
were  crucified  with  him,  cast  the  same  in  his  teeth. 
And  one  of  the  malefactors,  who  were  hanged,  railed 
on  him,  saying,  If  thou  be  Christ,  save  thyself  and  us. 

'  But  the  other  answering,  rebuked  hhVi,  saying, 
Dost  not  thou  fear  God,  seeing  thou  art  in  the  same 
condemnation?  xVnd  we  indeed  justly  :  for  wt  re- 
ceive the  due  reward  of  our  deeds  ;  but  this  man  hath 
done  nothing  amiss.  And  he  said  unto  Jesus,  Lord, 
remember  me  when  thou  comest  into  thy  kingdom. 
And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  To 
day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  Paradise.  Now  there 
stood  by  the  cross  of  Jesus,  his  mother,  and  his  mo- 
ther's sister,  Mary  the  wife  of  Clcophas,  and  Mary 
Magdalene.  VV  hen  Jesus  therefore  saw  his  mother, 
and  the  disciple  standing  by,  whom  he  loved,  he 
saith  unto  his  Mother,  Woman,  behold  thy  r>on  ! 
Then  saith  he  to  the  disciple.  Behold  thy  mother ! 
And  from  that  hour  that  disciple  took  her  unto  his 
own  home. 

*  Now  from  the  sixth  hour  there  was  darkness  over 
all  the  land  until  the  ninth  hour ;  and  the  sun  v.as 
darkened.  And  about  the  ninth  hour,  Jesus  cried 
with  a  loud  voice,  EH,  Eli,  lamma  sahachthani,  that  is 
to  say.  My  God  !  my  God  !  why  hast  thou  forsaken 
me  ?  Some  of  them  that  stood  there,  when  they 
heard  that,  said,  Behold,  This  man  calleth  for  Elias. 
After  this,  Jesus  knowing  that  all  things  were  now 
accomplished,  that  the  Scripture  might  be  fulfilled, 
saith,  1  thirst.     New  there  v/as  set  a  vessel  full   of 


164  Christ's  sufferings. 

vinegar  :  And  one  ran,  and  took  a  spunge,  and  filled 
it  with  vinegar,  and  put  it  upon  hyssop  and  stuck  it 
on  a  reed,  and  held  it  to  his  mouth,  and  gave  him  to 
drink  The  rest  said,  Let  be  ;  let  us  see  whether  Eli- 
as  will  come  to  save  him,  and  take  him  down.  Now 
when  Jesus  had  received  the  vinegar,  he  said,  It  is 
finished.  And  he  again  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  and 
said,  Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit : 
And  having  said  this,  he  bowed  his  head,  and  gave  up 
the  ghost. 

'  And  behold,  the  vail  of  the  temple  was  rent  in 
ttvain  from  the  top  to  the  bottom,  and  the  earth  did 
quake,  and  the  rocks  rent,  and  the  graves  were  opened, 
and  the  bodies  of  many  saints  w4io  slept  arose,  and 
came  out  of  the  graves  after  his  resurrection,  and 
went  into  the  holy  city,  and  appeared  unto  many. 
Now  when  the  Centurion  who  stood  over  against  him 
and  they  thatv\^ere  with  him  watching  Jesus,  saw  that 
he  so  cried  out,  and  the  earthquake,  and  those  things 
that  were  done  ;  they  feared  greatly,  and  glorified 
God,  saying.  Certainly  this  Vv'as  a  righteous  man; 
truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God.  And  all  the  people 
that  came  together  to  that  sight,  beholding  the  things 
^.vhich  were  done,  smote  their  breasts,  and  returned. 
And  all  his  acquaintance,  and  the  women  that  had 
followed  him  from  Galilee,  among  whom  was  Mary 
Magdalene,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  James  the  less, 
and  the  mother  of  Joses,  and  Salome,  and  the  mother 
of  Zebedee's  children,  who  also  when  he  was  in  Gali- 
lee followed  him  and  ministered  unto  him,  and  many 
other  women  who  came  up  with  him  to  Jerusalem, 
stood  a  far  off  beholding  these  things. 

*  The  Jews,  therefore,  because  it  was  die  prepara- 
tion, that  the  bodies  should  not  remain  upon  the  cross 
on  the  sabbath  day,  (for  that  sabbath  day  was  an  high 
day,)  besought  Pilate  that  their  legs  might  be  broken, 
and  that  they  might  be  taken  away.  I'hen  came  the 
soldiers,  and  brake  the  legs  of  the  first,  and  of  the 
other,  who  was  crucified  with  him.     But  when  they 


ON  MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  165 

came  to  Jesus,  and  saw  that  he  was  desd  already,  they 
brake  not  his  legs :  But  one  of  the  sgldiers  m  ith  a 
spear  pierced  his  side  ;  and  forthwith  came  there  cut 
blood  and  water.  And  he  that  saw  it  bare  record, 
and  his  record  is  true  ;  for  these  things  were  done, 
that  this  scripture  should  be  fulfilled,  A  bone  of  hira 
shall  not  be  broken :  And  again  another  scripture 
saith,  they  shall  look  on  him  whom  they  pierced. 

*  And  now,  when  the  even  was  come,  because  it 
was  the  preparation,  that  is  the  day  before  the  sab- 
bath, came  a  rich  man  of  Arimathea,  a  city  of  the 
Jews,  named  Joseph  ;  he  was  an  honourable  coun- 
sellor, and  a  good  man  and  a  just.  The  same  had 
not  consented  to  the  counsel  and  deed  of  them,  who 
also  was  a  disciple  of  Jesus  (but  secretly  for  fear  of 
the  Jews)  and  waited  for  the  kingdom  of  Gcd.  He 
went  in  boldly  unto  Pilate,  and  besought  him  that 
he  might  take  away  the  body  of  Jesus.  And  Pilate 
marvelled  if  he  were  already  dead  ;  and  calling  unto 
him  the  Centurion,  he  asked  him,  whether  he  had 
been  any  while  dead '?  And  when  he  knew  it  of  the 
Centurion,  he  gave  the  body  of  Jesus  to  Joseph,  and 
commanded  it  to  be  delivered  to  him.  And  Joseph 
bought  fine  linen.  And  there  came  also  Nicodemus, 
who  at  the  first  came  unto  Jesus  by  nio^ht,  and  brought 
a  mixture  of  myrrh  and  aloes,  about  a  hundred  pound 
weight.  Then  took  they  the  bod}'  of  Jesus,  and 
wrapped  it  in  the  clean  linen,  and  wound  it  in  linen 
clothes  with  the  spices,  as  the  manner  of  the  Jews  is 
to  bury. 

*  Now  in  the  place  where  he  was  crucified,  there 
was  a  garden,  and  in  the  gaiden  a  new  sepulchre 
hewn  out  of  a  rock,  \vhereiii  ne\  er  man  before  was 
laid.  Here  laid  they  Jesus,  therefore,  because  of  the 
Jews,  preparation  day  ;  for  the  sepulchre  was  nigh 
at  hand.  And  they  rolled  a  great  stone  to  the  door 
of  the  sepulchre,  and  departed.  And  the  women  also, 
who  came  with  him  from  Galilee,  followed  after. 


166  Christ's  suffe rings 

Among  these  were  Mary  Magdalene,  and  Mary  the 
mother  of  Joses,  who  sat  over  against  the  sepulchre, 
and  beheld  how,  and  where,  his  body  was  laid.  And 
they  returned,  and  prepared  spices  and  ointmeais, 
and  rested  the  sabbath  day,  according  to  the  com- 
jnandment.  Now  the  next  day  that  followed  the  day 
©f  the  preparation,  the  chief  Priests  and  Pharisees 
came  together  unto  Pilate,  saying,  Sir,  we  remember 
that  that  deceiver  said,  while  he  was  yet  alive.  After 
three  days  I  will  rise  again.  Command  therefore, 
that  the  sepulchre  be  made  sure  until  the  third  day,  lest 
his  disciples  come  b>  night  and  steal  him  away,  and 
say  unto  the  people.  He  is  risen  from  the  dead  :  So 
the  last  error  shall  be  worse  than  the  first.  Pilate  said 
unto  them.  Ye  have  a  watch ;  go  your  way,  m  ike 
it  as  sure  as  you  can.  So  they  went,  and  made  the 
sepulchre  sure,  sealing  the  stone,  and  setting  a  watch.' 

THE   PREPARATORY  PRAYER. 

O  FAITHFUL  Saviour,  who  was  crucified  in  weak- 
ness, but  now  livest  in  power,  and  canst  forever  save 
all  those  who  come  to  God  through  thee  ;  It  is  our 
purpose  now  to  consider  the  concluding  scene  of  thy 
sufferings  on  mount  Golgotha.  O  thou  crucified 
Love !  be  pleased  to  favour  this  our  weak  attempt, 
and  make  it  conducive  to  the  glory  of  thy  name. 
Give  us  a  lively  sense  of  our  incapacity  so  to  conduct 
these  Considerations,  that  they  m.iy  be  a  real  benefit 
and  blessing  to  us.  Grant  that  this  sense  of  our 
weakness  may  awaken  in  us  an  earnest  desire  of  the 
Divine  assistance,  and  the  influence  of  thy  Spirit  ; 
and  satisfy  this  desire,  by  giving  us  all  those  talents 
and  graces,  which  thou  thyself  knowest  to  be  ne- 
cessary towards  an  edifying  consideratipn  of  thy  suf- 
ferings.    Amen. 


9N  JtfOUNT   GOLGOTHA.  16? 


CONSIDERATION  I. 

THE   LORD  JESUS   LED   TO   HIS    CRUCIFIXION. 

IN  the  preceding  Considerations,  we  have  dis- 
coursed of  the  several  suiFerings  which  our  dear  Me- 
diator, for  our  sins,  endured  on  the  Mount  of  Olives; 
before  the  spiritual  court  of  the  Jews  ;  and  the  civil 
tribunal  of  Pilate  and  Herod. 

It  now  remains,  that  we  consider  his  sufferings  on 
Mount  Golgotha,  the  place  appointed  by  the  infinite 
wisdom  of  God  for  the  conclusion  of  our  blessed 
Lord's  meritorious  afflictions.  The  beginning  of  this 
remarkable  transaction  runs  thus. 

'  Then  the  soldiers  took  the  purple  robe  off  from 
Jesus,  and  put  his  own  raiment  on  him,  and  led  him 
away  to  crucify  him.  And  Jesus  went  forth,  bearing 
his  cross.  And  there  were  also  two  other  malefac- 
tors le<l  with  him,  to  be  put  to  death.  And  as  they 
led  Jesus  away,  they  found  a  man  of  Cyrene,  Simon. 
by  name,  the  father  of  Alexander  and  Rufus,  who 
passed  by,  coming  out  of  the  country :  And  they 
laid  hold  on  him,  and  compelled  him  to  bear  his 
cross  ;  and  on  him  they  laid  the  cross,  that  he  might 
bear  it  after  Jesus.  And  there  followed  him  a  great 
company  of  people,  and  of  women  who  also  bewailed 
and  lamented  him.  Bat  Jesus  turning  unto  them, 
said,  Daughters  of  Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  me  ;  but 
weep  for  yourselves,  imd  for  your  childi-en,'  &c. 
(Matt,  xxvii.  31,  32.  Mark  xv.  20,  21.  Luke  xxiii. 
26 — 32.  John  xix.  16,  17.) 

These  words  exhibit  to  us  the  mournful  procession 
of  the  blessed  Jesus  to  his  cnicifixion.  Our  blessed 
Lord  hud,  in  his  former  sufferings,  been  forced  to 
take  several  painful  iwA  ignominious  walks.  From 
the  mount  of  Olives  he  had  been  hurried,  bound  as  a 
prisoner,  to  Annas ;  from  Annans  to  Caiaphas,  from 


168  Christ's  sufferings 

Cidaplms  to  Pilate,  from  Pilate  to  Herod,  and  from 
Herod  back  aga  n  to  Pilate;  and  consequently,  he 
may  be  supposed  to  have  passed  through  most  of  the 
streets  in  Jerusalem.  Now  our  blessed  Saviour  was 
to  take  his  last  mournful  walk,  when  he  was  led  as  a  d| 
malefactor  from  Pilate's  house  to  the  place  of  ex-  " 
ecution. 

-  Jesus  was  led  away  immediately  after  sentence  had 
been  pronounced  on  him  by  Pilate.  '  Then,'  (John 
xix.  16.)  L  e.  imaiediately  after  this,  Pilate  delivered 
him  up  to  the  Roman  soldiers,  in  order  to  be  cru- 
cified ;  for  among  the  Romans,  the  soldiers  were 
usually  the  executioners  in  such  cases.  The  Ro- 
man emperor  Tiberius,  who  then  sat  on  the  throne^ 
had,  about  seven  years  before,  issued  an  order,  That 
no  criminal  should  be  executed  until  ten  days  after 
sentence  had  been  pronounced  upon  him.  But  the 
benefit  of  this  edict  did  not  extend  to  murderers  and 
rebels,  it  being  judged  necessary  for  the  public  tran- 
quility that  such  delinquents  should  be  immediately 
put  to  death.  Onr  blessed  Saviour  therefore  was  not 
intitled  to  this  privilege  ;  for  he  had  been  indicted  as 
a  mover  of  sedition  and  a  rebel,  and  one  whom  the 
Jews  were  for  sending  out  of  the  world  with  all  possi-  •] 
ble  dispatch,  as  a  pest  to  the  commonwealth,  and  a 
scandal  to  the  Jewish  church.  Na}-,  they  urged  the 
Roman  governor  with  such  vehemence,  that  he  was 
obliged  to  give  orders  for  the  immediiite  execution  of ' 
the  sentence.  No  one  offered  to  prepare  Jesus  for^ 
death ;  no  one  interposed  in  his  favour,  or  spoke 
word  of  exhortation  or  comfort  to  him  ;  but  he  ^vas| 
dragged  away  to  death  with  the  utmost  precipitancyj 
as  one  that  was  past  all  hopes  of  amendment,  and  un- 
worthy of  the  notice  of  the  humane  and  charitable,  j 
Pie,  indeed,  stood  in  no  need  of  comfort  or  prepara- 
tion for  death  ;  for  he  was  long  since  prepared  for  it,; 
by  his  patient  submission  and  willingness  to  suffer 
but  he  denied  himself  all  human  comforts,  that  he 
might  acquire  for  us  a  right  to  expect  divine  conso- 


Off  MOUNT    GOLGOTHA,  16?^ 

lations  in  our  last  hours.  By  the  precipitancy  with 
which  he  was  led  to  death,  he  moved  his  heavenly 
Father  to  grant  to  every  one,  in  his  preparation  tor 
death,  as  much  time  \s  would  be  necessary  ;  and  has 
likewise  sanctified  the  sufferings  of  his  faithful  ser- 
vants, when  they  are  suddenly  surprised  by  the  im- 
patient barbarity  of  their  persecutors,  who  allow  them 
no  time  for  recolleciion^  or  prep  ration  for  death." 
Thus  every  circumstance  of  our  blessed  Saviour's 
sufferings  is  a  source  of  comfort  and  blessing  to  his 
followers. 

But  now  let  us  take  a  nearer  view  of  the  last  mourn- 
ful walk  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  to  his  execution.  By 
the  above  account  we  may  see, 

First,  How,  and  in  what  manner,  he  was  led  to 
Golgotha. 

Secondly,  The  company  which  attended  him. 
Ishither. 

Thirdly,  What  happened  to  him  by  the  way* 

Fourthly,  What  our  blessed  Lord  said,  as  he  was 
led  to  his  crucifixion. 

I.  As  to  the  manner  in  which  our  blessed  Savi- 
our was  led  away  to  execution,  the  evangelical  his- 
tory informs  us,  that  he  was  clothed  in  his  own  rai- 
ment, and  bore  his  crtjss.  Tiiat  he  was  led  awiy 
clothed  in  his  own  raiment,  we  are  told  by  St.  Mat- 
thew and  bt.  Mark,  in  these  words  :  '  Then  the  sol- 
diers took  the  purple  robe  off  from  Jesus,  and  put 
his  own  raiment  on  him,  and  led  him  away  to  crucifv' 
him.'  The  Lord  Jesus  had,  a  little  before,  among 
other  mockeries  and  insults  he  endured  in  Pilate's 
judc^merlt-hall,  been  dressed  up  in  an  old  purple  man- 
tle ;  and  in  this  garb  he  was  afterwards  led  away,  and 
made  a  show  of  to  the  whole  Jewish  people,  as  a  mock 
king.  But  now  as  he  was  to  be  carried  to  the  place 
of  execution,  the  soldiers  took  off  from  him  this  pur- 
ple iiiaatie,  and  put  on  him  his  own  upper  garment, 
that  he  might  be  the  more  easily  known  by  the  spec- 
tators ;  since  it  is  probable,  that  his  sacred  face  wa^ 

VOL.   IT.  T 


170  Christ's  sufferings 

so  swelled,  ar.d  disfigured  by  blood,  &c.  that  very 
few,  who  had  even  seen  him  before,  would  have 
knowii  that  it  was  Jesus  of  Nazareth  who  was  led  to 
execution.  'J'he  wreath  of  thorns  very  probably  re- 
mained on  his  head,  as  a  public  mark  that  the  crime 
for  which  he  was  crucified  was,  'J  hat  he  had,  in  a 
seditious  manner,  according  to  the  superscription 
over  his  head,  given  hivnseif  out  to  be  the  king  of  the 
Jews.  The  purple  robe  was  left  i)ehind  in  the  judg- 
ment-hall.  But  as  this  robe  must  probably  in  some 
parts  have  stuck  to  his  body,  now  all  bioody,  and 
cruelly  torn  by  scourging;  the  taking  it  off  from  our 
blessed  Lord,  in  a  rude  manner,  afforded  new  matter 
of  sport  to  the  insolent  soldiers,  as  it  must  have- 
caused  very  sensible  pain  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  by  tear- 
ing o})en  his  stripes  and  wounds.  So  dearly  did  it 
cost  the  Son  of  God  to  recover  for  us  the  original  gar- 
ment of  spotless  innocence  !  Oh,  that  we  may  never 
put  on  our  app  irel,  without  thinking  of  this  painful 
unclothing  of  our  blessed  Saviour  !  Certainly,  such  a 
consideration  must  be  a  powerful  check  to  suppress 
in  us  all  proud,  wanton,  and  aspiring  thoughts. 

The  Lord  Jesus  being  again  clothed  in  his  own. 
raiment,  the  cross  was  laid  on  his  shoulders ;  and  thus 
was  he  obliged  himself  to  carry  that  heavy  piece  of 
timber  on  which  he  was  to  be  crucified,  to  Golgotha, 
It  was  a  custom  among  the  Romans,  that  the  crimi- 
nal who  was  to  be  crucified,  usually  carried  his  own 
cross  to  the  place  of  execution.  But  as  the  cross 
consisted  of  a  long  beam  of  timber,  and  a  short  trans- 
verse piece,  the  criminal,  in  carrying  the  cross,  had 
his  arms  extended,  and  the  transverse  piece  fa&tened 
to  them  ;  while  the  long  beam  was  laid  on  his  back 
parallel  to  his  body,  so  that  he  dragged  the  lower  end 
of  it  after  him  on  the  ground.  I'o  this  the  blessed 
Jesus  alludes,  when  he  forewarns  Peter,  thut  he 
should  one  day  be  crucified  ;  '  When  thou  shalt  be 
old,  thou  shait  stretch  forth  thy  hands,  and  another 
shalt  gird  thee  and  carry  thee  whither  thou  wouldest 


0N  MOUNT    COLGOTUA.'  171 

uot,'  (John  xxi.  18.)     And  in  this  manner,  we  may 
suppose  that  Jesus  was  (jbliged  to  carry  his  cross. 
His  extended  arms  were  bound   to  the   transverse 
beam,  so  that  he  was  forced  to  exert  all  his  strength 
in  order  to  drag  the  whole  cross  after  him.     Thus, 
as  St.  John  observes,  he  went  forth  bearing  his  cress. 
He  had  from  his  childhood  bore  it  on  his  heart ;  but 
now  he  firbt  bears  it  on  his  sacred  shoulders,  wliile 
pain  and  ignominy   attend  liis   wtary   steps  in  this 
jnournful  walk.     How  often  must  our  blessed  Savi- 
our's knees,  already  so  spent  and  cnftcl  ltd  as  to  be 
scarce  able  to  bear  his  own  body,  have  sunk  under 
this  oppressive  weight !     At  the  same  time,  to  drag 
after  him  that  irstiument  of  punishment  on  which  he 
was  to  be  crucified,  as  an  aborrtrnce  and  execration. 
to  all  the  people,  was  a  circumstance  of  the  most  sen- 
sible  reproach  and  ignomin}  .     Oh,  the  inconceivable 
depth  of  the  humiiiaiion  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  goes 
forth  in  the  appearance  of  a  wretched  slave  condemned 
to  death,  and  bearing  his  own  cross!    Nay,  this  was 
the  more  painful  to  our  blessed  Saviour,  \vho  was  the 
surety  of  mankind,  as  it  was  a  peculiar  punishment 
of  sin  ;  so  that  on  this  cross  he  was  to  become  a  curse 
for  us,  to  be  forsaken  of  God,  and  as  it  were  to  taste 
the  bitterness  of  eternal  death.     From  this  circum_ 
stance  of  our  Saviour's  passion,  we  shall  deduce  the 
following  truths  : 

1.  The  mournful  walk  of  our  blessed  Lord  to  the 
place  of  his  crucifixion,  has  been  productive  of  many 
comforts  mid  blessings  to  mankind. 

E^'ery  step  in  this  painful  walk  was  marked  with  ^ 

blood  ;   but  at  the   same  time,  every   step  dropped  \ 

down  comfort  to  our  souls.  Many  painful,  ^\eary 
steps  did  the  blessed  Jesus  take  in  his  sufferings  for 
our  sake  ;  but  all  would  have  availed  us  nothing,  had 
he  not  determined  on  this  last  sorrowful  walk.  We 
were  all  under  sentence  of  death ;  and  this  sentence 
could  no  other  way  be  reversed,  th..n  by  our  Media- 
tor's suffering  himself  to  be  led  lo  dcjth  in  our  stead 


^ 


172  Christ's  sufferings 

To  this  he  has  submitted  to  the  most  chearful  wil- 
lingness and  complacency.  Our  blessed  Lord  said 
to  Peter,  '  Another  sliall  carry  thee  whither  thou 
wouldest  not,'  (John  xxi.  18.)  that  i- ,  conirary  to  thy 
natunil  inclination.  Bu:  the  Son  of  God  was  able  to 
say  to  his  Father,  *  Lo !  I  come  :  I  delight  to  do  thy 
will,  O  my  God  ;  yea,  thy  law  is  within  my  heart,' 
(Psalm  xl.  7,  8.)  He  was  obedient  unto  death,  even 
the  death  of  the  cross.  He  suffered  himself  to  be 
led  out  of  the  earthly  Jerusalem,  to  procure  an  en- 
tnmce  for  us  into  the  heavenly  Jerusalem.  He  sub- 
mi  tied  to  be  led  as  a  sheep  to  the  slaughter,  that  the 
precious  souls  of  men  might  not  be  dmgged  as  oxen 
to  the  slaughter  by  sin,  the  world,  and  the  devil. 
The  evil  spirits  \voulcl  h.ne  dragged  thee,  O  wretched 
sinner,  from  the  grave  to  Judgment,  and  from  thence 
to  the  infernal  lake,  according  to  the  sentence  p/t  .sed 
on  thee  at  the  ti'ibunal  ol  God.  But  since  tliy  Re- 
deemer vvas  thus  voluntarily  led  away  to  his  death, 
tliou  wilt  never  be  led  away  by  the  powers  of  hell. 
For  if  thou  dost  believe  in  the  Name  of  the  Son  of 
God,  and  givest  thyself  up  diligently  to  follow  him, 
and  obey  his  precepts,  thou  shalt  be  enabled  one  day 
■with  joy  to  rise  from  the  grave,  and  to  approach  the 
divine  tribunal.  Therefore  let  us  praise  and  adore 
the  Saviour  of  the  world,  who,  by  thus  going  to  tem- 
poral death,  hath  rescued  us  from  death  eternal. 

2.  Nothing  can  make  a  christian  more  willingly 
and  chearfuliy  take  up  his  cross,  than  the  considera- 
tion that  his  Lord  and  Saviour  bore  the  cross  before 
him. 

\\^ho  will  now  refuse  to  take  upon  him  the  cross, 
when  he  sees  tb.e  Creator  of  the  heavens  bending  un- 
der the  weight  of  his  cross  on  the  earth  ?  When  a  per- 
son of  such  a  transcendent  dignity,  v.  Iiose  love  to 
mankind  w^as  so  p:reat,  sets  us  the  example,  and  calls 
to  us  saying,  '  W  hosoc  ver  will  be  my  disciple,  let 
him  take  up  his  cross  and  follow  me,'  it  would  be  the 
basest  crime  to  refuse  it,  if  we  should  be  required  to 


V 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  17S 

bear  it  for  his  sake.  Whoever  seriously  considers 
that  the  eiernal  Son  of  God,  who  upholds  all  things  by 
his  powerful  word,  who  always  dwelt  in  the  regions 
of  bliss,  and  had  dominion  over  innumerable  hosts  of 
adoring  any:els,  should  humble  himself  so  low  ;  should 
put  his  sh(;uidtrs  under  the  ignominious  cross  for 
his  sake,  thai  he  might  be  delivered  from  the  curse 
of  God,  and  crowned  with  eternal  blessings;  will  be 
ashamed  of  his  timorousness  and  ingratitude  in  avoid- 
ing the  cross,  will  humbly  implore  his  Redeemer,  and 
say  with  courage  and  resolution.  While  I  li\'e,  will 
I  tollow  thee,  and  bear  thy  cross.  If  therefore  we 
would  have  comfort  in  the  cross  of  the  blessed  Jesus, 
we  must  necessarily  resolve  to  enter  into  fellowship 
with  him,  both  b}  the  inwa-d  crucifixion  of  the  flesh, 
and  by  outwardly  taking  upon  us  the  reproach  of 
Christ.  Now  as  the  Lord  Jesus  suffered  internally 
and  externally,  both  in  soul  and  body;  so  must  his 
followers  taste  of  both  kinds  of  sufferings  in  some 
degree,  and  bring  themselves  to  a  ^villing  resignation 
to  bear  the  cross.  For  these  are  our  blessed  Saviour's 
own  words :  *  Whosoever  doth  not  bear  his  cross, 
and  follow  after  me,  cannot  be  my  disciple,'  (Luke 
xiv.  27. )  If  we  are  sometimes  exempt  from  reproach 
and  persecution,  we  are  to  shew  ourselves  the  more 
faithful,  by  daily  crucifying  the  old  man  with  its  af- 
fections and  lusts,  and  by  submitting  to  any  inw  ard 
sufferings,  which  it  may  please  God  to  lay  upon  us. 

II.  We  come  now,  in  the  second  place,  to  consi- 
der the  company  which  attended  the  Lord  Jesus  to 
Golgotha,  or  the  place  of  a  skull.  A  multitude  oi 
people  were  got  together  on  this  occasion,  which 
generally  happens  even  when  common  malefactors 
are  carried  to  execution.  Curiosity  brought  many 
of  tliem  ;  others  came  out  of  a  malicious  desire  of 
entertaining  their  eyes  with  the  pains  and  sufferings 
of  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  Others  again  were  drawn  to 
the  place  by  different  views.  Nevertheless  the  love 
of  God,  from  this  attendance  of  the  people,  produced 


/ 


tl74  Christ's  sufferings 

a  salutary  effect.  The  consequence  of  it  was  this, 
that  they  returned  home  in  a  quite  different  temper 
and  disposition  of  mind,  from  that  with  which  they 
had  set  out.  For  when  they  came  to  see  the  extra- 
ordinary miracles  which  followed  our  Saviour's  death,/,! 
St.  Luke  informs  us,  that  '  All  the  people  who  came 
together  to  that  sight,  beholding  the  things  which, 
were  done,  smote  their  breasts,  and  returned,'  (Luke 
xxiii.  43.)  Thus  a  blessing  attends  our  attending  on. 
the  Lord  Jesus,  and  adherence  to  him  ;  though  at 
first  it  may  not  proceed  Irom  a  heart  entirely  free 
from  guile. 

Besides  this  mixed  multitude  of  the  people,  there? 
were  in  particular  two  malefictors  led  in  company 
with  the  Lord  Jesus,  in  order  to  be  crucified  with 
him.  It  appears  from  the  accounts  of  the  Evange- 
lists, that  these  malefactors  were  murderers  and  rob- 
bers ;  crucifixion  being  the  punishment  of  those 
crimes  among  the  1-lomans.  I'hese  noronous  crimi- 
nals, Pilate,  the  Roman  governor,  seems  to  have  re- 
served for  the  feast  of  the  Piissover  ;  tliat  by  execu- 
ting them  before  an  extraordinary  concourse  of  pt- o- 
ple,  who  were  at  Jerusalem  on  account  of  the  feast,  a 
greater  number  might  take  warning  by  their  examr 
pie.  It  is  probable  that  these  murderers  were  of  the 
number  of  the  seditious  persons,  who  at  that  time 
sWtU*mcd  inJudea,  and  declared  against  any  subjection 
to  the  Roman  governor,  under  pretence  that  a  Jew 
was  to  acknowledge  no  other  sovereign  but  God ; 
and  possibly  they  might  have  been  among  those,  who 
were  taken  with  Barabbas  in  an  insurrection,  (Mark 
XV.  7.)  As  our  blessed  Lord  was  i  Iso  accused  of  re- 
bellion and  high  treason,  the  go\crnor  ordered  that  he 
should  be  carried  to  execution  with  the  other  revolt- 
ers,  that  they  who  were  suppose  d  to  be  guilty  of  the 
banic  crime  might  together  suffer  the  same  punish- 
ment. 

The  Lord  Jesus  by  descending  so  low,    and   thus 
debasing  himself  so  as  to  be  put  to  the  level  with 


! 


ON     MOtfNT  GOLCOTIlAtf  175 

Inurdercrs  and  rebels,  intended  to  atone  for  our  as- 
sociating. 

1.  With  the  wicked  and  profligate.  *  Unto  the 
wicked  God  sayeth,  When  thou  rawest  a  thief,  thou 
then  consentedst  with  him,  and  hast  been  partaker 
with  adulterers,'  (Psalm  1.  16,  18.)  nay,  with  slan- 
derers, murdei-ers,  profane  swearers,  drunkards,  and 
other  scandals  to  Christianity.  Thus  by  running 
with  these  in  the  same  excess  of  riot,  (1  Peter  iv.  4.) 
when  we  either  suffer  ourselves  to  be  caimd  away  by 
other  slaves  oi  sin,  or  when  we  carry  away  others, 
and  by  our  bad  example  draw  them  into  sin  ;  wc 
drew  on  the  Son  ol  God  this  indignity,  that  he  was 
made  a  companion  of  murderers  and  robbers,  and 
was  led  along  with  them  to  death.  May  this  con- 
sideration create  in  us  an  abhorrence  of  all  wicked 
company. 

2.  Our  blessed  Lord,  by  this  circumstance  of  his 
passion,  intended  to  sanctify  the  sufferings  of  his  fol- 
lowers. For  they  are  often  classed  with  heretics, 
rebels,  and  the  worst  nf  criminals  ;  and  are  looked, 
upon  as  people  who  deserve  to  be  condemned  to  suf- 
fer the  same  punishment. 

3.  Our  blessed  Saviour  by  this  intended  to  give  us 
an  intimation,  how  we  ought  to  lead  out  our  old  man 
to  be  crucified  with  him.  We  have  in  us  two  noto- 
rious malefactors,  who  are  guilty  of  all  manner  of  dis- 
obedience and  rebellion  against  the  Divine  M-jcsty, 
and  transgress  all  his  commands.  If  we  would  know" 
them,  they  are  presumptuous  carnal  reason,  which  re- 
fuses to  submit  itself  to  divine  revelation,  and  our  pre- 
verse  self-will,  which  spurns  at  the  yoke  of  Christ.  Let 
us  therefore  without  delay  seize  th-jse  two  criminals, 
bind  them,  and  fasten  them  to  the  cross  of  Christ. 
If  we  are  desirous  of  inward  peace  and  tranquillity, 
^ve  must  not  spare  these  rebels  from  which  all  our 
disturbances  arise  ;-  and,  if  we  would  reap  true  com- 
fort from  the  crucifixion  of  Christ,  we  must  chearful. 
ly  resolve  to  crucify  those  corruptions  in  u-s,  that 
l^rought  him  to  the  cross. 


l76  CHRIST'S  SUFFERINGS 

III.  We  come  now  to  consider  what  happened  to 
the  Lord  Jesus  by  the  way  to  his  crucifixion.  In 
general,  the  treatment  he  met  with  was  very  differ- 
ent from  that  'vvhich  he  had  experienced  six  days  be- 
fore, at  his  public  entrance  into  Jerusalem.  He 
then  entered  the  city  amidst  the  joyful  acclamations 
and  applauding  Hosanna's  of  the  people.  Then  the 
popular  cry  was,  '  Blessed  is  He  that  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord.'  On  the  contrary,  curses,  insults, 
mockeries,  and  bitter  sarcasms,  now  pursued  the 
blessed  Jesus  as  he  went  forth  to  Golgotha.  For 
when  Christ,  or  his  members,  are  to  suffer,  every  one 
insults,  reviles,  and  speaks  evil  of  them.  Probably, 
many  indignities  were  offered  our  blessed  Lord  by 
the  way,  which  are  passed  o\er  in  silence  by  the 
Evangelists.  However,  they  make  mention  of  two- 
particular  incidents,  which  happened  while  our  Sa- 
viour walked  to  the  place  of  execution  ;  and  these 
arc,  First,  That  he  was  eased  of  the  weight  of  his 
cross,  and  Secondly,  That  he  was  publicly  lamented 
by  the  compassionate  women  of  Jerusalem. 

First,  Jesus  meets  with  some  ease  from  the  heavy 
load,  with  which  he  was  oppressed  ;  the  cross,  which 
he  dragged  along  with  so  much  difficulty,  being  taken 
from  him,  and  laid  on  another.  The  enemies  of  our 
blessed  Lord  little  intended,  indeed,  to  shew  him  any 
kindnc^ss  by  taking  the  cross  from  him  :  On  the  con- 
trary, their  intention  was,  L  To  hurry  on  the  faster 
to  Alount  Golgotha ;  for  as  Jesus,  by  reason  of  his 
weakness  and  latigue,  moved  very  slowly,  the  Jews 
were  out  of  patience  till  the  sentence  of  death  was 
finally  executed  on  him.  2.  To  reserve  our  blessed 
Lord  for  acuter  pangs  and  greater  tortures  ;  for  they 
were  apprehensive  that  he  might  faint  by  the  way,  and 
die  under  their  hands ;  which  would  not  have  been 
nenr  so  satisfactory  to  them  as  to  see  him,  nailed  to 
and  bleeding  on  the  cross.  Therefore  perceiving 
that  his  strength  was  exhausted  by  watchings,  hun- 
ger, fatigue,  and  loss  of  blood,  they  took  the  l)urden 


ON   MOUNT  GOLGOTHA.  177 

from  Jesus,  that  he  might  not  sink  under  it.  But  the 
Heavenly  Fatiier  so  directed  this  circumstance,  as  to 
procure  some  alleviation  to  his  Son  thus  harrassed, 
and  sinking  under  the  weight  of  his  miseries. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  had  himself  carried  the  cross 
from  the  hall  of  judgment  to  the  city  gale;  but  when 
they  came  without  the  gate,  the  soldiers  seeing  that 
Jesus  was  by  no  means  able  to  drag  his  cumbersome 
load  up  the  hill,  they  looked  out  for  a  proper  person 
to  carry  it  to  the  destined  place,  widi  the  dcbired  ex- 
pedition. 

By  the  particular  direction  of  God,  there  happen- 
ed to  pass  by  a  man  called  Simon,  a  native  of  Cy- 
rene,  a  city    of  Libia,  which,    though   it  v.  as  above 
a  thousand  miles  distant  from  Jerusalem,  wah  full  of 
Jews  who  had  also  a  synagogue  there.     This  man, 
possibly,  might  be  possessed  of  som.e  farm  without 
the  city,  and  was  coming  from  it  to  Jerusalem.,  in 
order  to  perform  his  devotions  in  the  temple.     This 
Simon  was,  in  aU  appearance,  a  secret  din.cipie  of  the 
Lord  Jesus ;  and  seeing'  him  sink  under  the  load  of 
the  cross,  and  dragging  it  along  with  great  difficulty, 
he  either  by  wordb  or  gesture  expressed  some  com- 
passion for  him.     This  was  a  suiiicicnt  provocation 
to  the  insolent  soldiers  to  lay  hold  of  Simon,  and  tp 
fasten  the  cross  on  his  back.     Thus  he  was  compel- 
led to  follow  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  to  carry  tlie  cross 
after  him,  perhaps  by  the  way  of  ridicule,  as  he  was 
supposed  to  be  one  of  Christ's  disciples.  Had  hebeen 
an  unrelenting  Jew,  and  an  enemy  to  Christ  and  his 
doctrine,  he  would  have  thrown  down  the  cross  at 
their  feet.     He  would  have  railed  against  Jesus,  and 
excused  himself  from  performing  this  ignominious 
office  ;  nay,  the  cliief  Priests  would  have  interceded 
for  him,  to  have  him  set  at  liberty,  and  inti  ealed  the 
soldiers  not  to  make  a  laue:hin2:  stock  of  one  of  their 
fellow-citizens.     But  as  he  was  piobabiy  a  dibcipic 
of  Christ,  he  patiently  submitted  to  be  mocked  luiA 
ridiculed  with  his  Lord  and  Sa-\ iour.     At  first,  iu; 

VOL.    J  I.  ?5 


17S  chkist's  sufferings 

deed,  he  was  a  little  discomposed,  and  thought  it  a 
great  hardslVip  to  be  treated  so  scandalousiy  ;  but, 
on  perceiving  the  uncommon  patience  and  mildness 
of  the  blessed  Jesus,  who  was  hurried  on  before  hira. 
liy  the  rude  muliitude,  he  learned  of  Christ  to  pos- 
sess his  soul  in  patience,  and  quietly  submitted  to  let 
them  do  what  they  pleased  with  him.  This  Simon 
of  Cyrene  here  seems,  as  it  were,  to  supply  the  place 
of  Simoii  Peter,  who  had  made  sanguine  promise  that 
he  wduld  folloAv  his  m.aster,  and  go  with  him  to  death  j 
(John  xiii.  37  )  but,  instead  of  makinggood  his  words, 
hud  betaken  himself  to  flight  along  with  the  other 
disciples.  Therefore  the  wise  providence  of  God 
seems  :o  have  provided  another  Simon  to  bear  Christ 
■company,  when  he  was  going  to  suffer  death. 

The  second  p.-rlicular  incident,  which  happened 
xvhiie  our  blessed  Saviour  walked  to  the  place  of  ex- 
ecution, was  a  public  testimony  of  pity  and  compas- 
sion. A  great  company  of  women,  some  of  whom 
were  inh-ibi  tints  of  Jerusalem,  others  had  followed  Je- 
sus from  Giiilee,  accompinied  him  bewailing  and  la- 
menting him  (Luke  xxiii.  27  49.)  Probably, 
in  soaie  of  them  this  was  only  the  effect  of  a  humane, 
sympathe^^ic  feeling,  which  generally  excites  a  natural 
compassion  to  malefactors  when  they  are  carried  to 
cxeculian,  as  they  are  part  kers  of  one  common  nature 
with  us.  In  o  hers  this  natural  tenderness  might 
be  mixed  with  self-love  ;  fur  they  were  concerned, 
that  a  person  wb.o  had  performed  such  surprising  mir- 
acles, who  had  healed  the  sick,  the  lame  and  the  blindj 
and  was  tiieir  physician  and  helper  in  all  their  dis- 
tresses, should  be  put  to  such  a  painful  and  ignomin- 
ious death.  At  the  same  time,  this  compassion  in 
some  few  of  them,  may  be  supposed  to  have  its  rise 
from  pure  and  more  disinterested  motives.  Be  this 
iis  it  will,  it  shewed  itself  outwardly  in  gestures  of 
passionate  grief;  for  they  beat  their  breasts,  wrunj!: 
their  hands,  wept,  and  lamented. 


ON  MOUNT  COLCOTHA.  179 

These  expressions  of  sorrow  in  the  women, denoted 
that  they  were  ignorant  of  the  mystery  of  the  cross, 
and  had  but  a  weak  faith.  Had  they  known  the  coun- 
sel of  God  with  regard  to  the  sufFtrings  of  his  Son  ; 
had  they  been  convinced,  that  Jesus  went  to  death  not 
by  compulsion,  but  wilhiigly  ;  and  that  he  should 
again  soon  release  himself  from  its  tyranny  by  a  glo- 
rious resurrection,  they  would  not  have  been  seen  to 
beat  their  breasts,  lament  and  bewail  him.  But  in 
their  hearts,  he  was  accounted  as  one  dead  ;  and  they 
concluded  that  all  the  hopes  of  the  redemption  of  Is- 
rael were  buried  in  his  grave.  Ho\^e^•er,  these  cir- 
cumstances were  also  directed  by  the  wise  and  sacred 
counsel  of  God.  These  teiu-s  of  the  spectators  bore- 
al itness  to  the  innocence  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  which 
Pilate  had  before  so  often  acknowledged.  These  tears 
publicly  accused  his  iniquitous  judges  of  i.. justice, 
and  openly  condemned  the  sentence  of  death  \\iiich 
they  had  pronounced  on  him.  These  tears  were  some 
of  the  outward  exprt  ssions  of  grief,  due  to  the  me- 
mory of  the  King  oi  Israel.  (2  ."^am.  i.  24.  2  Chron. 
xxxii.  33.  XXXV.  25.)  These  tears  were  preludes  to 
the  accomplishment  of  the  prophecy  of  Zaciiariah, 
(chap.  xii.  10,  14.)  who  declares,  that  all  die  women 
of  the  tribes  of  Israel  should  one  day  mourn  for  the 
Messiah.  Lastly,  by  this  incident  the  bt  ginning  and 
the  end  of  our  Saviour's  sufferi  igs  were  made  to  har- 
monize with  each  other.  He,  at  whose  birth  the  mo- 
thers of  Bethlehem  (Jer.  xxxi.  15.)mour:ied  and  wept 
for  their  children,  (which  wns  a  t}'pe  of  tins  lamenta- 
tion for  the  death  of  the  Messiah)  is  no\\-,  iX  his  death, 
mourned  and  lamented  by  the  n.others  of  Jerusalem. 
From  these  circumstances  we  bhali  deduce  the  follow- 
ing truths : 

1.  God  is  so  gracious,  tliat  he  never  suffers  us  to 
be  oppressed  beyond  what  we  are  able  to  bear  ;  but, 
when  it  is  most  necessar\',  he  provides  some  relief. 

Thus  it  happentd  to  the  blessed  Jesus,  in  the  in- 
stance before  us.     When  his  human  strength- \vtis  s'^ 


180  Christ's  sufferings 

exhausted,  so  that  he  was  qviite  unable  to  bear  his 
cross,  God  so  directed  coutini^c  ncies,  that  he  was  eas- 
ed of  its  opprt  ssive  weight.  Thus  will  it  be  with  every 
sincere  disciple,  who  with  patience  and  resignation 
bears  the  cross  of  Christ.  His  faithful  and  compas- 
sionate Saviour,  who  Ironi  his  own  experience  knows,  .' 
what  it  is  for  human  nature  to  be  loaded  beyond  its 
strength  so  as  to  sink  under  its  burden,  will  have  mer- 
cy on  hmi  ;  will  prevent  him  from  being  oppressed 
beyond  his  strengdi ;  will  lighten  the  burden  under 
which  he  groans,  and  support  him  with  his  all  sus- 
taining hand.  If  it  is  enjoined  in  the  Divine  law,  that 
even  an  ass  shall  not  lie  und  r  the  weight  of  his  bur- 
den, but  that  he  should  be  helped  up.  (Kxodus  xxiii. 
5.)  much  more  will  our  blessed  Lord,  in  his  tender 
iove,  hold  out  his  hand  to  those  who  bear  his  cross, 
and  support  those  who  are  fainting  under  it.  Of  this 
timely  relief  all  the  followers  of  Christ  may  make 
themselves  sure.  Let  us  therefore  chearfuUy  take  up 
that  burden,  which  love  will  render  easy  and  light; 
besides,  the  sufferings  of  the  present  time  are  not  to 
be  compared  to  the  glory  reserved  for  him,  who 
holdeth  out  to  the  end. 

2.  God  overlooks  our  natural  aversion  to  suffer- 
ings, if  we  do  not  wilfully  iiidulge  it  to  excess. 

It  is  not  improbable  that  Simon  the  Cyrenian  at  first 
made  some  opposition ;  for  they  compelled  him  to 
bear  the  cross  of  Clirist.  This  is  an  emblem  of  the 
timorous  back  w>  rdness  of  human  nature  in  taking  up 
the  cross,  and  its  fondness  for  ease,  conveniency,  and 
worldly  esteem.  Alas  !  we  daily  shew  our  desire  to 
be  excused  from  bearing  the  cross,  and  thereby  con- 
firm the  observadon  of  St.  Paul,  (Hcb.  xii.  11.)  '  That 
no  chcistcniiig,  for  the  present,  is  joyous,  but  grievous 
to  us.'  How  willing  soever  tlie  spirit  may  be,  the 
flesh  is  generally  weak  ;  especially  when  the  cross 
comes  so  unexpectedly,  as  it  did  here  on  Simon.  But 
blessed  be  God,  who  has  compassion  on  the  infirmi- 
ties cf  his  children,  and  for  Christ's  $ake,  will  f^orgive 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  181 

ihem  these  natural  motions  of  self-love,  if  they  do  but 
earnestly  strive  against  them,  and  pray  to  him  for  more 
willingness  under  persecutions  and  sufferings.  Let 
us  therefore  not  only  imitate  Simon,  in  his  reluctancy 
at  first  to  take  up  the  cross ;  but  let  us,  after  his  ex- 
ample, derive  strength  from  the  fulness  of  Christ  to 
overcome  that  reluctancy.  For  this  man,  by  seeing 
the  astonishing  gentleness  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  suf-  ' 
fered  himse;f  to  be  led  like  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter, 
overcame  the  reluctant  motions  of  nature  ;  and  after- 
wards held  the  reproach  of  Christ  so  dear,  that  by 
his  means  his  two  sons  Alexander  and  ixufus  became 
disciples  of  Jesus  Christ,  (Ilom.  xvi.  13.) 

3.  To  do  or  suffer  any  thing  for  Christ's  sake  will 
perpetuate  a  man's  name  among  the  congregations  of 
the  saints. 

Thus  by  Simon's  bearing  our  Saviour's  cross, 
his  name  has  been  transmitted  down  to  this  d^iy  ;  so 
that  wherever  the  gospel  of  Christ  is  known,  mention 
is  made  of  him.  The  same  eftect  has  the  cross  with 
regard  to  all  those  who,  bear  it  in  the  fellowship  of 
Christ,  with  patience,  resignation,  and  joy.  How 
honourable  is  it  to  the  memory  of  a  deceased  chris- 
tian, when  o!ie  can  glory,  with  truth,  that  he  bore  the 
yoke  of  Christ,  and  though  dead,  yet  still  liveth. — 
This  is  the  blessed  and  glorious  path  to  true  rmie,  and 
immortal  reputation  in  the  congregation  of  the  saints; 
whereas  all  the  other  false  encomiums,  and  renown- 
ed titles,  with  which  the  world  emblazons  the  mem- 
mory  of  those  who  have  signalized  themselves  in  its 
service,  at  length  go  out  in  smoke  and  stench. 

IV.  In  the  last  place,  we  are  to  consider  what  our 
blessed  Saviour  said  as  he  was  led  to  his  crucifixion. 
Far  from  being  struck  dumb  with  terror  and  dejec- 
tion, he  performed  this  painful  ignominious  walk  with 
a  composed  presence  of  mind.  Undoubtedly  he  con- 
versed more  in  silence  with  his  Heavenly  Father,  than 
with  men  :  However,  he  opened  his  mouth,  and  made 
.known  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  to  the  latter  in  yeiy 


182  CimiST's    SUFFERINCS 

remarkable  words,  ^vhich  are  recorded  by  St.  Luke.' 
No  murmuring  agninst  his  Father's  decree  escaped 
his  lips,  nor  any  imprecations,  menaces,  or  invectives 
against  his  enemies ;  but  if  he  opened  his  mouih  on 
this  occasion,  it  was  to  preach  repentance.  1  he  cross 
being  taken  from  our  blessed  Lord,  and  laid  on  Si- 
mon's shoulders,  he  made  use  of  this  interval  of  ease 
for  speaking  to  the  women  that  followed  lamentinj^ 
and  bewailing  him,  and  in  their  peiaoi.s  to  the  whole 
.Jewish  nation,  such  things  as  belonged  lo  their  pciice. 
Those  remarkable  words  of  the  blessed  Jesus  and  the 
meaning  of  them,  will  be  the  subject  of  tlie  following 
Consideration. 

THE    PRAYER. 

O  FAITHFUL  Saviour,  praised  be  thy  name,  who 
didst  suffer  thyself  to  be  led  away  to  dtaih,  that  we 
might  have  entrance  into  life.  VVe  bless  thee  for 
sanctifying,  in  the  person  of  Simon,  the  bei^ring  of  the 
cross  alter  thee,  and  taking  away  the  reproach  ai.d 
curse  from  our  cross  in  oearing  it  thyself.  Mi>ke  us, 
we  beseech  thee,  ready  and  willing  to  follow  thet  our 
leader,  wheresoever  thou  goest.  Teach  us  to  set  a 
proper  value  on  the  fellowship  of  thy  sufierings,  and, 
in  love  to  bear  the  burd*  ns  of  others,  that  we  njay 
fulfil  the  kiw  of  Christ.  Grant  this  for  thy  name  sake, 
and  bless  for  our  edification  those  circumstances  of 
thy  meritorious  passion,  which  we  ha>e  now  consi- 
dered.   Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  IL 

THE    LAST  PENITENTIAL    SEHMON   OF    THE   LORJ). 
JESUS  ;     AS    IT     WAS    EXPLAiKi-D    IN     A    DIS- 
COURSE, PREACHED   ON   A   DAY   OF   PUBLIC 
HUMILIATION,    IN    THE   Yi-AR   1725. 

MAY  the    blessed  Jesus,    who  himself  preached 
repentance,    and  ordered   that  repentance  should  be 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.'  183 

preached  in  his  name ;  for  the  sake  of  his  infinite 
love,  bless  the  consideration  of  this  his  last  penitential 
sermon  to  all  our  hearts !     Amen. 

Dearly  Beloved  in  the  Lord^ 

IPenitential  sermons  have  ever  been  in  use  from 
the  bcacinnina:  of  the  world.  The  first  discourse  of  this 
kind  was  preached  by  God  himself  in  Paradis*?,  when 
he  represented  to  our  first  parents,  after  the  fall,  their 
sin  and  transgression  :  when  he  recommended  to  them 
a  constant  enmity  against  satan  and  his  works,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  a  liveiy  faith  in  the  promised  seed  of 
the  woman,  (Gen.  iii.  9 — 19.)  After  this,  God  was 
pleased  to  expostulate  with  Cain,  when  he  pined  with 
envy  and  hatred  :igninst  his  brother  Abel,  in  the  fol- 
lowing words  which  are  a  kind  of  penitential  sermon  : 
*  Why  art  thou  wroth  ?  and  why  is  tliy  countenance 
fallen  ?  If  thou  doest  well,  shalt  thou  not  be  accepted  ? 
and  if  thou  doest  not  well,  sin  lieth  at  the  door,'  (Gen. 
iv.  6,  7»}  What  was  thus  begun  by  God  himself, 
the  great  pattern  of  perfection,  his  faithful  servants 
libive  continued  in  all  succeeding:  ag-es.  The  devout 
patriarchs  who  lived  before  the  deluge,  and  particu- 
larly 5:'  nos,  Enoch,  and  Noah,  were  preachers  of  re- 
pentance and  righteousness  ;  setting  forth  to  the  in- 
habitants of  the  antedeluvian  world  their  heinous  sins, 
and  makinf>:  known  the  Divine  iudsfments  which 
should  come  upon  them. 

After  the  deluge,  which,  more  than  any  penitential 
sermon,  manifcbted  the  wrath  of  God  from  heaven 
against  all  the  wicked  ways  of  men,  God  began  to 
preach  repentance  to  those  ^vho  survived,  in  which 
he  represents  that  all  the  thoughts  and  imaginations  of 
man's  heart  are  evil  from  his  }  outh  ;  however,  for  the 
sake  of  another  person,  who  was  to  bear  and  oxpiatc 
tJie  sin  and  curse,  he  was  at  the  same  time  pleased 
graciously  to  promise,  no  more  to  curse  the  earth, 
nor  to  destroy  it  by  a  new  deluge,  (Gen.  viii.  21.) 
Since  that  remarkable  csra,  God  has  from  time  to 


1S4.  ghrist's  sirrrEiiiNCs. 

time  raised  up  other  faithful  witnesses,  to  preach  untc^ 
men  the  necessity  of  repentance  and  conversion  to  the 
living  God,  and  of  faith  in  the  promised  Messiah. 
This  was  the  purport  of  the  discourses  of  Abraham^ 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  when,  at  the  altars  which  they  had 
set  up  in  several  places,  *  they  called  upon  the  name 
of  the  Lord,'  (Gen.  xii.  8.)  This  was  the  employ- 
ment of  Moses,  Samuel,  and  all  the  other  prophets. 
This  was  the  office  of  John  the  Baptist  and  all  the 
apostles,  whom  we  find  continudUy  preaching  repen- 
tance, and  forgiveness  of  sins,'  (Luke  xxiv.  47.  Acts 
xx.2i.) 

But  among  all  the  penitential  sermons  inserted  in 
the  holy   scriptures,  none  deserve  greater  attention 
:^  than  those  of  our  Lord  and  Siviour  Jesus  Christ,  at 

0  the  commencement  and  conclusion  of  his  ministerial 

office,  both  on  the  account  of  the  dignity  of  the  speak- 
er, and  tiie  importance  of  the  subject.  And  as  we 
now  propose  to  consider  the  last  penitential  sermon 
delivered  by  the  great  author  of  our  religion,  in  the 
days  of  his  humiliation  ;  let  us  collect  our  thoughts, 
lift  up  our  hearts  to  God,  and  pray  unto  him,  that  he 
will  be^pleased  to  bless  this  Consideration  to  the  edi* 
fi cation  and  salvation  of  our  souls. 

THE  TEXT.— Luke  xxiii.  27 — 31, 

*  An  D  there  followed  him  a  great  company  of  people 
and  of  women  who  also  bewailed  and  lamented  him. 
But  Jesus  turning  unto  them,  said,  daughters  of 
Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  me  ;  but  for  yourselves,  and 
for  your  children.  For,  behold,  the  days  are  coming, 
in  which  they  shall  say,  blessed  are  the  barren,  and  the 
wombs  that  never  bare,  and  the  paps  that  never  gave 
suck.  Then  shall  they  begin  to  say  to  the  mountains, 
fall  on  us,  and  to  the  hills,  cover  us.  For  if  they  do 
these  things  in  a  green  tree,  what  shall  be  done  in  the 
dry?' 

I'hese  words  are  the  last  penitential  sermon  of  the 
Lord  Jesus ;  in  which  we  shall  consider, 


ON   MOUNT    G0L60THA.  185 

Firsts  The  true  sense  and  meaning;  of  the  words. 

Secondly,  The  use  and  application  oi'them. 

I.  This  last  penitential  sermon  of  the  Son  of  God 
was  directed  to  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  /.  e.  the 
women  who  lived  at  Jerusalem,  or  those  who,  with 
respect  to  the  Jewish  worship,  acknowledged  it  as  the 
holy  city,  and  the  mother  of  them  all.  These  women, 
amidst  a  prodigious  multitude  of  people,  now  accom- 
panied our  blessed  L(jrd  to  his  crucifixion  :  For  the 
£vangelist  observes,  that  a  great  multitude  of  people 
followed  the  blessed  Jesus  when  he  was  led  forth  to 
Mount  Golgotha ;  and  among  these  probably  were 
many  foreign  Jews  and  proselytes,  who  ^vere  at  this 
time  assembled  from  all  parts  of  the  world  at  Jerusa- 
lem, on  account  of  the  passover.  The  Lord  Jesus  in 
this  instance  also  submitted  to  be  led  to  death  like 
any  common  criminr.l ;  it  being  customary  for  the 
people  to  flock  together,  when  a  malefactor  is  to  be 
carried  to  his  execution.  But  on  such  occasions^ 
how  few  of  the  spectators  reflect,  that  they  have  within 
'  them  the  seeds  of  that  depravity  uhich,  in  these  un- 
happy objects,  broke  out  into  such  enormous  crimes  ; 
or  humbly  praise  God  who  has  preser\ed  them  from. 
such  sins  ;  or  offer  up  a  compassionate  prayer  for  the 
criminals  ?  Most  of  them  lue  usually  drawn  thither, 
merely  to  gratify  an  idle  curiosity  ;  and  much  the 
greater  part  of  the  multitude,  v/hich  followed  Christ 
to  Golgotha,  cannot  be  supposed  to  have  had  any  bet- 
ter motive. 

But  among  this  concoiu-se  of  people  vrere  also  many 
women,  some  of  whom  had  followed  Jesus  from  Ga- 
lilee, and  others  lived  at  Jerusalem.  The  Evangelist 
observes,  that  these  women  bewailed  and  lamented 
Jesus  as  he  went  along.  These  words  in  the  original 
signify,  that  they  not  only  shed  tears,  but  expressed 
their  grief  by  loud  lamentations,  and  passionate  ges- 
tures. 

In  most  of  these  women,  this  mourning  and  bewail- 
ing possibly  proceeded  only  from  a  mere  natural  com- 

VOL.  II.  A    a 


186^  c'HiirST'S   SUFFEKINGS 

passion.  They  were  grieved  that  a  great  prophet,  and 
so  good  a  man,  who  had  never  done  the  least  injury 
tb  any  one,  but,  on  the  contrary,  went  about  doing 
good,  and  healing  all  kinds  of  diseases,  should  suffer 
such  an  ignominious  and  painful  death.  Their  con- 
cern was  increased  by  the  dismal  sight  of  this  mourn- 
ful spectacle,  which  might  have  raised  compassion  not 
only  in  the  Irani'ine,  but  even  in  the  hardest  heart. 
They  sasv  in  cur  blessed  Saviour's  fiice  the  bloody 
marks  of  the  cruel  indignities  he  had  suffered  in  Pi- 
late's judgment-hall;  that  sacred  head  having  been 
deplorul)!}'  abused  by  the  blows  of  the  inhuman  sol- 
diers, and  by  the  wreath  of  thorns  which  had  been 
forced  into  his  teniples.  They  likewise  now  beheld 
"with  their  own  eyes  the  barbarity  of  the  Roman  sol- 
diers, vrhich  still  raged  against  our  blessed  Saviour. 
Now  it  was  customary  among  the  Romans  to  torment 
those  who  were  to  be  crucified,  as  they  went  to  the 
place  of  execution,  b}'  pushing  them  to  and  fro,  beat- 
ing them  with  their  fists  and  clubs,  and  sometimes 
strewing  sharp  stones  and  nails  under  their  naked  feet, 
and  widi  all  possible  violence  forcing  them  to  walk. 
Over  them.  As  this  was  the  usual  way  of  treating 
those  criminals,  who  were  <o  sufier  death  on  the  cross, 
it  is  hardly  to  be  supposed  that  the  soldiers,  Avho  hi- 
therto had  used  the  sacred  person  of  Christ  with  the 
most  cruel  insolence,  would  in  the  least  abate  of  their 
rigour  on  this  occasion.  Besides  all  this,  the  heavy 
burden  of  the  cross  must  have  been  very  painful  to 
our  blessed  Saviour,  who  was  spent  with  fatigue,  and 
had  his  shoulders  and  back  all  over  lacerated  by  the 
scourges.  So  moving  a  sight  might  well  raise  in 
these  women  a  sensible  compassion,  which  vented  it- 
self in  tears,  lamentations,  wringing  of  the  hands,  beat- 
ing the  breast,  and  other  outward  signs  of  grief. 

Now  it  was  this  compassionate  concern  that  gave 
occasion  to  this  peniieiitial  sermon ;  for  our  blessed 
Saviour,  turning  c;l'cut  to  these  women,  as  he  had  the 
?iight  before  to  I'eter  after  liis  full,  with  looks  full  of 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  18*7 

toiety  and  compel ssion,  addressed  them  thus :  *  Weep 
hot  for  me,  ye  daughters  of  Jeriis'ilem,  but  weep  for 
yourselves,  and  for  your  children,  &c.'  I  hus  our 
blessed  Lord,  indeed,  directs  these  words  to  the 
women ;  but  at  the  same  time,  in  their  person, 
to  the  whole  house  of  Israel,  as  the  rest  of  the  mul- 
titude were  within  hearing-.  To  this  end,  he  ex- 
alted his  voice,  and  spoke  with  a  particular  emphasis, 
as  the  prophets  usually  did  in  their  denunciations  of 
God's  approaching  judgments. 

These  words  ot  our  Saviour  contain  the  following 
particulars. 

1.  An  admonition  to  these  women  concerning  their 
lamentations. 

2.  A  denunciation  of  the  approaching  divine  judg- 
ments. 

3.  An  information  of  the  true  cause  of  those  judg- 
ments. 

1.  In  the  admonition  to  the  women  concerning 
their  lamentations,  our  blessed  S.iviour  forbids  them 
to  shed  their  tears  for  him,  and  recommends  to  th-.  m, 
to  weep  for  themselves,  and  for  their  children.  The 
prohibition  is  expressed  in  these  words  :  '  Weep  not 
for  me  I'  Not  that  he  absolutely  blames  their  tears, 
which  are  rather  to  be  esteemed  a  public  testimony  of 
his  innocence  ;  and  deserved  the  more  regard,  since 
by  the  Jewish  laws  persons  condemned  to  death  by 
the  Sanhedrim  were  not  to  be  publicly  lamented. — = 
But  such  was  the  grief  of  these  Vv'omen,  that  tht-y 
were  not  afraid,  by  their  tears,  to  condemn  the  capi- 
tal sentence  passed  by  the  chief  Priests  and  Scribes, 
as  a  most  unjust  proceeding.  However,  we  do  not 
read  that  they  was  punished  by  the  great  council,  or 
insulted  by  the  populace,  on  this  account ;  which 
would  certainly  have  been  the  case,  had  not  these 
feeble  witnesses  of  our  Saviour's  innocence  been 
protected  by  a  superior  power. 

But  why  should  our  blessed  Lord  forbid  these  wo- 
men to  weep  for  him?  It  was,  first,  because  he  per 


188  CHRIST'S   SUFFERINGS 

ceived  that  these  tears  sprang  from  a.  wrong  scource,' 
These   compassionate    daui^hters  of  Jerusalem    only 
looked  on  Christ's  outward  wounds,  pains,  and  igno- 
miny, which  excited  in  them  a  natural    sympathetic 
feelings  ;  but  they  had  no  idea  of  the  secret  council  of 
God,  and  the  true  cause  of  ail  the  sufferings  that  Jesus 
endured.     They  were  not   sensible  that    the  sins  of 
the  world,  and  consequently  their  own  sins,  were  to 
be  laid  on  the  head  oi  this  sacred  victim  ;  that  he  was 
(dragging  them  up  to  the  place  of  execution  ;  and  that 
he  was  to  ofter  them  in  his  body  on  the    cross,  and 
thus   pu' licly    n  ake    an    tfflctual    atonement    for, 
and  do  them  awa} .     Secondly,  he  ibrbids  this  weep- 
ing, because  he  looks  upon  himself  in  his  present  cir- 
cumstances as  one  that  did  not  deserve  any   com- 
passion.    God  himself,  as  it  were,  hid  his  face  from 
his  only  Son,  who  was  then  our  Mediator,  and  load- 
ed with  the  sins  of  the  whole  world.     As  a  dejected 
sinner,  whose  conscience  is  awakened,  accounts  him- 
self unworthy  of  every    consohstion,    and    of  all  the 
aifections  shewn  to  him  by  otheis  ;   so  likewise  our 
Redeemer,  being,  by  the   imputatioiis  of  the   sins  of 
the  world,  made  a  curse  and  expiatory  sacrifice,  ac- 
counts himself  unworthy  to  receive  any  alleviation  of 
liis  gi'ief  from  the  compassion  of  others.     Thirdly, 
He  forbids  them  to  lament,  because    he  knew  that 
his  short  transitory  sufferings  would   produce  such 
noble  fruits,  and  conduce  to  the  glory  of  God,  and 
the  eternal  salvation  of  mankind  ;  so  that  there  was 
much  greater  reason  for  joy  than  sorrow  on  this  oc- 
casion. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  blessed  Jesus  advises  them 
to  weep  for  themselves,  and  for  their  children.  In 
this  exhortation,  he  alludes  to  these  words,  v,  hich  the 
people  huid  uttered  with  great  vehemence,  a  little  be- 
fore, at  the  instigiition  of  the  chief  Priests  and  Elders: 
'  His  blood  be  upoi^  us,  and  on  our  children'  (Matt, 
xxvii.  25.)  Weep  for  yourselves  !  As  if  our  blessed 
Lord  had  said.  If  yea  are  for  lamenting  and  shedding 


ON    MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.'  181) 

tears,  weep  for  yourselves,  not  only  for  your  sins 
which  are  the  cause  of  my  pains,  &c.  but  Ukewise 
for  the  dreadful  calamities,  which  some  of  you  shall 
live  to  see  ;  for  many  afilictions  and  trials  are  com- 
ing on  you,  and  it  behoves  you  betiiues  to  arm  your- 
selves against. tb'^m  with  prayers  and  tears.  A  Veep 
for  your  children,  since  on  them  the  judgments 
of  obduracy  arid  uiibelitf  shall  come;  for  they 
shall  live  to  see  the  days  of  the  unparelleled  miseries  of 
the  Jewish  people  during  the  siege  of  Jerusalem,  and 
shall  periih  in  them.  ALjs  !  did  you  but  know  wh;it 
dreadful  judgments  of  God,  both  spiritual  aiid  tempo- 
ral, are  now  hovering  over  the  heads  of  your  children, 
and  with  what  rigour  the  divine  vengeance  will  re- 
quire my  blood  at  your  hands,  you  would  certainly 
spare  those  tears  which  you  now  shed  for  me,  to  de- 
plore the  wretchtdntssof  your  unhappy  descendants; 
for  on  denouncing  their  calamities,  a  few  days  ago, 
I  myself  could  not  refrain  from  weeping  (Luke  xix. 
41.)  Upon  this  follows, 

2.  A  denunciation  of  the  approaching  divine  judg- 
ments, which  should  have  been  the  motives  for  the 
daughters  of  Jerusalem,  to  weep  for  themselves 
and  for  their  children  :  *  For  behold  the  days  are  com- 
ing, in  which  they  shall  say,  blessed  are  the  barren, 
and  the  wombs  that  never  bare  and  the  paps  that 
never  gave  suck.  Then  shall  they  begin  to  say  to  the 
mountains,  Fall  on  us  !  and  to  the  hills,  cover  us  !' 

In  these  words,  our  dying  Saviour  fortels  the  de- 
struction of  Jerusalem,  and  the  utt^r  devastation  of 
iudea,  by  the  Romans ;  which  he  had  before  predict- 
ed at  different  times,  and  upon  several  occasions. — 
'  Behold  saith  our  blessed  Lord,  your  house  is  left 
unto  you  desolate,  (Luke  xiii.  35.)  For  the  day  shall 
come  upon  thee,  that  thine  enemies  shall  cast  a  trench 
about  thee,  and  compass  thee  around,  and  keep  tliee 
in  on  every  side ;  and  shall  lay  thee  even  with  the 
ground,  and  thy  children  within  thee  :  And  they 
shall  not  leave  in  thee  One  stone  upon  another,  (Luke 


rl9d  Christ's  sufferings 

xix.  43,  44.)  O  Jerusalem,  Jerus^ilem,  thou  that; 
killestthe  prophets,  and  stoneth  them  who  are  sent 
unto  thee  !  how  often  would  1  have  g;  ithtrtd  ihv  chil-. 
dren  together  even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens 
imder  her  wings,  and  ye  would  iiot  ?  Behold,  your 
house  is  left  unto  you  desolate,  (M.ttt.  xxiii.  37,  38.) 
And  Jesus  went  out,  and  departed  from  the  temple  : 
and  the  disciples  came  to  him  for  lo  shew  him  the 
buildings  of  the  Temple.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them, 
see  ye  not  all  these  things?  Verily,  1  siv  unto  you, 
there  shall  not  be  left  here  one  stone  upon  anotiier, 
which  shall  not  be  thrown  down,'  (Matt.  xxiv.  1,  2.) 
And  noVv%  a  few  hours  before  his  death,  Jesus  de- 
nounces these  woes  for  the  last  time.  In  order  to  set 
before  the  Jews  the  greatness  of  the  misery  which 
should  come  on  their  children,  in  a  clearer  and  more 
emphatical  manner,  he  makes  use  of  two  figurative 
expressions,  borrowed  from  the  writings  of  the  pro- 
phets. 

In  the  first  place,  our  blessed  Saviour  snys,  *  Be- 
hold, the  days  are  coming,  in  the  which  they  shall 
say.  Blessed  are  the  barren,  and  the  wombs  that  never 
bare,  and  the  paps  which  never  gjave  suck.'  Novv  the 
barrenness  of  women  was  accounted  by  the  Jews  a 
pai't  of  the  Divine  curse,  and  consequently  an  ex- 
treme disgrace.  Hence  Rac:hel  in  the  old  Testa- 
ment, and  Elizabeth  in  the  new,  (Gen.  xxx.  i3.  Luke 
i.  25.)  when  they  grew  pregnant,  praised  God  lor 
having  taken  away  their  reproach.  On  the  other 
hand,  fecundity  was  looked  upon  as  a  singular  ho- 
nour, and  a  mark  of  the  Divine  favour.  When 
Christ  therefore  here  declares  that  the  time  was  com- 
ing, when  barren  women  would  be  accounted  much 
happier  than  those  who  had  borne  ar.d  suckled  many 
chiidren,  he  gives  the  Jews  to  understand,  that  a  ter- 
rible day  of  \'engeance  was  approaching ;  which  would 
be  more  especially  so  to  fathers  and  mothers  of  fa- 
milies, whose  personal  calamities  would  be  doubled 
by  the  misery  of  their  children.     Here  our  blessed 


ON  MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  191 

liord  allurles  to  the  following  passage  of  the  Prophet 
H  isea,  n  ho,  when  he  had  a  view  in  the  spirit  of  the 
misery  of  tlie  ten  tribes  under  the  Assyrian  captiviiy, 
cries  put,  '  Give  them,  O  Lord,  a  miscarrying  womb, 
and  dry  breasts,'  (Hosea  ix.  14.)  /  e.  rather  give  thtni 
no  offspring,  than  buTer  them  to  live  to  be  u  cause  of 
so  much  sorrow  to  \\vAr  parents.  Hence  our  blessed 
Saviour,  before,  denounced  this  woe  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Jerusalem  :  '  Woe  unto  them  that  are  with  child, 
and  unto  them  that  give  suck  in  those  days,'  (Matt. 
xxiv.  i9.)  namely,  when  flight  will  be  the  only  means 
of  safety,  and  such  persons  will  be  Itss  fit  for  it  than 
others.  Those  unhappy  women  would  therefore  feel 
all  the  woes  and  calamities  of  the  siege  of  Jerusalem  ; 
and  that  in  a  double  portion,  on  account  of  their  be- 
loved offspring. 

This  prediction  was  abundantly  verified  by  the  me- 
lancholy event.  For  in  less  than  forty  years  after 
this  woe  was  denounced,  this  day  of  vengeance  came 
attended  with  all  its  terrors  on  the  Jewish  people. 
Among  other  miseries,  which  the  inhabitants  of  Je- 
rusalem suffered  during  the  siege,  they  were  oppres- 
sed with  such  an  intolerable  famine,  that  some  of  the 
most  tender  mothers  eat  their  own  children.  Other 
unhappy  mothers  saw  their  offspring  making  the  mo>.t 
deplorable  lamentatioiis,  pining  away  for  hunger,  dy- 
ing of  the  pestilence,  stabbed,  cut  to  pieces,  or  dashed 
against  the  stones  by  the  Roman  soldiers  before  their 
eyes.  Thus  the  circumstances  of  the  childless  being 
in  several  respects  more  tolerable,  than  of  those  ^vho 
had  a  numerous  offspring ;  how  many  mothers  must 
have  passionately  wished,  that  they  had  never  borne 
or  suckled  children ! 

In  the  next  place,  our  blessed  Lord  adds,  '  then 
will  they  begin  to  say  to  the  mountains,  fall  q\\  us  ! 
and  to  the  hills,  cover  us  !'  Christ  here  alludes  to  an- 
other passage  of  the  Prophet  Hosea,  who  gives  a 
ibathetic  representation  of  the  wreichedncss  cf  the  ten 
Tribes  in  the  Assyrian   captivity,   in  these  words, 


192  Christ's  sufferings 

'  and  they  shall  say  to  the  mountains,  cover  us  !  an(j 
to  the  hills,  fall  on  us  !'  (Hosea  x.  8.)  Thus  the 
Prophet  Isaiah,  in  his  description  of  the  deplorable 
siege  of  Jertisalem  by  the  Babylonians,  says,  '  and 
they  shall  go  into  the  holes  of  the  rocks,  and  into  the 
caves  of  the  earth,  for  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  for 
the  glory  of  his  Majesty'  (Isaiah  ii.  29.)  In  these 
words,  borrowed  from  the  proplietic  writings,  the 
Lord  Jesus  here  foretels  the  calamities  which  Jeru- 
salem should  endure,  when  besieged  by  the  Romans''; 
and  thereby  gives  the  Jews  to  understand,  that  their 
misery  and  affliction  would  be  so  great  when  the  Ro- 
mans should  invent  their  city,  that  many  families  of 
distinction  leaving  their  splendid  houses,  would  be- 
take themselves  with  their  wives  and  children  to  the 
most  lonely  caves  of  the  mountains,  in  order  to  avoid 
the  cruelty  of  the  Roman  army  ;  that  hunger  and 
cold  would  render  those  subterraneous  retreats  so 
insupportable  to  them,  that  they  should  ardently  long 
for  death  ;-  and,  in  their  misery  and  despair,  wish  the 
mountains  would  fall  on  them,  and  be  their  grave. 

This  prophecy  likewise,  whether  the  words  be  ta- 
ken in  a  literal  or  figurative  sense,  was  fully  accom- 
plished. For  Josephus  informs  us,  that  on  the  ap- 
proach of  the  Roman  ai-my,  the  Jews  fled  in  crouds  to 
the  mountains  and  hills,  and  wandered  about  or  con- 
cealed themselves  in  caves,  where,  in  all  probability, 
most  of  them  must  have  perished  with  hunger,  while 
the  rest,  being  weary  of  such  a  miserable  life,  a  thou- 
sand times  ardently  wished  for  death.  But  those  who 
survived  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  were  dispersed 
into  all  countries,  and  obliged  to  seek  refuge  among 
other  nations,  and  to  request  of  them  that  they  might 
be,  as  it  were  covered  by  them ;  being  persecuted 
every  where  by  the  wrath  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb, 
These  heavy  judgments  the  son  of  God  here  publicly 
denounces,  that  ihe  whole  Jewish  nation  might  be 
awakened  to  repentance,  be  rouzed  from  their  ietliar- 
<;ic  security,  and  be  moved  by  a  true  conversion  to 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  105 

God,  to  avert  his  heavy  wrath  which  otherwise  must 
be  a  necessary  consequence  of  their  enormous  trans- 
gressions.    For  this  end, 

3.  He  acquaints  them  with  the  true  cause  of  such 
terrible  judgments,  by  drawing  the  following  infer- 
ence :  '  for  if  they  do  these  things  in  a  green  tree» 
what  shall  be  done  in  the  dry  ?'  our  blessed  Lord  in 
these  words,  which  are  taken  from  the  prophet  Lze- 
kiel  (Chap.  xx.  47.  xxii.  3.)  compares  himself  to  a 
green,  z,  e.  sappy  and  fruitful  tree,  'i'hus  he  is  like- 
wise called  in  the  Revelation  of  St.  John,  *  the  tree 
of  life,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God,' 
(Chap.  ii.  7.)  On  the  other  hand,  he  compares  the 
impenitent  Jews  to  dry  and  unfruitful  trees,  without 
any  sap  of  the  spiritual  life,  who,  consequently,  could 
bring  forth  no  fruit  of  repentance  and  grace. 

Hence  it  appears,  that  the  primary  c'.uise  of  their 
approaching  calamity  was  of  a  twofold  nature.  First, 
they  rejected,  and  crucified  the  jNIessiah,  to  which 
our  Saviour  alludes  in  these  words,  '  if  they  do  these 
things  in  a  green  tree  ;'  if  they  thus  deal  with  me, 
\vho  am  entirely  innocent  of  all  the  crimes  laid  to  my 
charge.  This  was  indeed  the  capital  sin  of  the  Jev/- 
ish  nation.  They  had  already  embrued  their  hands 
in  the  blood  of  many  of  the  Prophets.  But  now  they 
filled  up  the  measure  of  their  iniquities,  by  putting 
to  death  the  son  of  God  himself.  For  by  their  re- 
peated clamours,  they  insisted  in  their  savage  fury, 
that  he  should  be  crucified  ;  and  when  the  Pagan 
judge  himself  bore  witness  that  he  was  an  innocer.t 
and  a  just  person,  they  rather  chose  that  the  di^■ine 
vengeance  should  pursue  their  latest  posterity,  than 
that  he  should  be  suffered  to  live. 

The  second  cause  of  the  c^alamities  was  their  ob- 
stinate impenitence  ;  for  they  wantonly  abused  the 
patience  and  long-suffering  of  God,  and,  not\\iLh- 
standing  all  the  labours  of  John  the  Baptist,  of  Christ 
himself,  and  his  apostles,  continued  the  same  dead 
and  unfruitful  trees  as  they  ^\•er^  before.     Therefore, 

vo7i.  n.  E  b 


194  Christ's  sufferings 

they  could  expect  nothing  else  at  last,  but  the  ej^ecQ- 
tionoi'that  sentence,  v/liich  Christ  had  long-  since 
dcPiOiinced  ug-ainst  them  in  a  parable,  viz.  '  cut  down 
[t!ie  Ijarren  tig-tree]  why  cumbereth  it  the  ground  ? 
(Luke  xiii.  7.)  John  the  Baptist  had  before,  in  God's 
name,  declared  to  die  Jews  the  same  truth,  in  these 
words,  '  and  now  also  tiie  axe  is  laid  to  the  root  of  the 
trees :  therefore  ever\'  tree  that  bringeth  not  forth 
good  fruit,  is  hewn  down,  and  cast  into  the  fire.' 

Moreover  the  blessed  Jesus  by  these  Avords,  as  it 
weje,  called  upon  the  Jewish  people  to  look  on  his 
sufferings  as  in  a  mirror,  which  represented  to  thciu 
the  wrath  that  bhouid  come  on  their  city  and  nation. 
As  if  our  blessed  Lord  had  said,  a  green  trc"  has  a 
kind  of  power  in  itself,  by  which  it  resists  the  fire  ; 
Vv"hc;reas  a  dry  tree  is  soon  consumed  by  the  flames, 
without  making  any  oppositioJi.  Thus  if  J,  who  am 
by  nature  a  green  and  fruitful  tree,  am  dried  up  by 
the  fire  of  God's  displeasure,  on  account  of  the^iinsof 
others  wliich  are  imputed  to  me  ;  if  I  am  loaded  with 
a  curse,  and  as  it  were  rooted  out  from  the  land  of 
the  living,  in  a  most  painful  maimer  ;  much  more  will 
the  unbelieving  Jews,  who  are  dead  and  barren  trees, 
without  any  sap  or  life  of  the  spirit,  and  even  thorny 
briars  and  sons  of  Belial,  be  seized  by  the  divine  wTath, 
and  consumed  by  temporal  and  eternal  judgments  on 
account  of  their  own  sins,  if  they  persevere  in  their 
impenitence. 

Now  these  words  are  still  more  remai'kable  on  the 
following  account.  The  Jews,  by  their  repeated 
clamours,  had  prevailed  on  the  Roman  governor  to 
crucif}  Christ  the  Green  Tree,  and  hang  him  as  a 
curse  on  a  dry  tree  ;  but  our  Saviour  intimates,  that 
the  time  would  come,  when  the  Jews,  who  where  dry 
trees,  should  be  hanged  on  green  trees.  For  when 
the  Jews,  who  were  besieged  in  Jerusalem  by  the 
Romans,  were  unable  to  hold  out  any  longer  against 
the  miseries  which  raged  w  ithin  the  city,  they  went 
out  of  Jerusalem  m  multitudes  to  surreadcr.  them* 


ON  MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.  195 

selves  prisoners.  Now  the  number  of  such  deserters 
being  very  great,  Titus  tjie  Roman  p;enerai  ordered 
them  to  be  executed  in  a  most  dreadful  manner.  For 
above  five  hundred  of  them,  after  they  had  been  tor- 
tured and  scourged,  were  crucified,  for  several  days 
successively  before  the  city  walls,  in  all  manner  of 
frightful  postures.  According  to  Josephus,  such  vast 
numbers  of  Jews  perished  in  this  manner,  that  at 
length  there  was  neither  room  to  erect  the  crosses 
near  the  walls,  nor  a  sufficient  number  of  crosses  for 
the  coi'demned.  Thus  the  divine  retaliation  mani- 
fested itself;  for  God  permitted  these  dry  barren 
trees  to  suffer  the  same  barbarous  treatmeiit,  which 
the  green  tree  had  met  with  from  them. 

II.  Having  thus  illustrated  the  true  sense  and 
meaning  of  these  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  let  us,  in 
the  next  place,  turn  our  thoughts  to  a  salutary  appli- 
cation of  them,  and  consider  the  advantages  which 
both  impenitent  and  penitent  souls  may  derive  from 
them. 

Among  the  impenitent  we  may  reckon  those  who 
impiousl}  despise  the  coa  enant  of  grace,  and  live  in 
a  total  neglect  of  God's  ordinances,  and  particularly 
the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper;  those  who  live 
in  the  open  violation  of  the  divine  la^vs,  and  commit 
all  the  works  of  dai'kness  ;  those  who  are  given  to 
lasciviousness,  gluttony,  and  drunkenness  ;  and  those 
who  live  in  enmity,  and  bear  an  in  econcilal>Ie  hatred 
to  their  neighbours.  Concerning  these  and  the  like 
scandals  of  the  christain  name,  wiso,  alas,  are  too 
numerous,  the  spirit  of  God  has  declared  by  Sr.  i'aul 
(Gal.  V.  19.)  that  while  they  continue  in  such  a  state, 
they  shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God 

Moreover,  to  this  unhappy  class  likewise  belong 
all  those  who  have  not,  with  their  whole  hearts,  con- 
ceived such  a  hatred  asrainst  everv  sin,  diat  thev  A\'ou!d 
rather  suffer  death,  than  commit  an}'  deliberate  of- 
fence. But  much  more  justly  mny  they  be  num- 
l^red  among  the  iippenitent,   who  are  ciiamourcd- 


196  Christ's  suprERiNcs- 

with  sin,  and  either  walk  like  brute  beasts,  according- 
to  the  instigations  of  their  wicked  lusts;  or,  instead 
of  the  word  of  God,  regulate  their  lives  by  the  pat- 
tern of  the  polite  world,  as  it  is  called ;  and  imitate 
the  ill  example  set  them  in  all  the  lusts  of  the  flesh, 
the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life,  ^vhatever 
their  religious  sentiments  may  be  ;  whether  they  are 
utterly  ignorant  of  the  truths  of  religion,  or  have  a 
knowleda:e  of  them  attended  with  conviction.  Oh 
that  every  one,  at  this  description,  would  ask  himself, 
'  Lord  is  it  I  ?'  And  if  his  conscience  should  accuse 
him,  may  he  be  the  more  ardently  desirous  of  learn- 
ing, how  he  shall  benefit  himself  by  this  last  peni- 
tential sermon  of  our  blessed  Lord. 

In  the  first  place,  examine  thyself,  whether  thou 
hast  placed  the  whole  of  thy  religion  in  railing  against 
Judas,  the  chief  Priests,  and  their  officers,"  against  Pi- 
late and  his  soldiers,  and  in  execrating  their  impiety ; 
and,  on  the  other  hand,  in  expressing  a  natural  com- 
passion for  Christ,  as  an  innocent  and  just  man,  &c. 
Many  there  arc  who,  from  such  natural  emotions, 
conclude  themselves  to  be  good  Christians,  and  that 
their  hearts  are  well  disposed  towards  their  Saviour ; 
Avhereas  they  never  gave  any  real  proofs  of  their  love 
towards  him  or  his  members.  But  notwithstanding 
all  these  symptoms,  they  are  only  hypocrites,  and  of- 
ten enemicb  to  the  cross  of  Christ.  Beware  therefore, 
that  thou  do  not  account  these  as  infallible  marks  of 
thy  state  of  grace  ;  for  as  mere  nature,  especially  in 
persons  of  a  delicate  constitution  and  tender  dispo- 
sition, often  produces  such  eft'ects,  to  be  accounted  a 
true  disciple  of  Jesus  Christ,  thou  must  do  some- 
thing more. 

Kather  be  awakened  by  these  words  of  Christ: 
*  Weep  not  for  me,  but  weep  for  yourselves !'  I'urn 
thine  eyes  on  thyself,  and,  in  humble  pra}  cr  to  God, 
request  the  assistance  of  the  Divine  light,  in  order  to 
search  the  inmost  recesses  of  thy  heart.  And  be  as- 
sured, that  if  thou  dost  not  flatter,  nor  \\ilfully  deceive 


on    jrOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  197 

thyself,  thou  wilt  have  great  cause  to  weep  for  thyself 
and  thy  numberless  sins.  If  God  is  pleased  to  grant 
thee  a  thorough  insight  into  thy  deep  guilt,  thou  wilt 
not  be  able  to  look  on  thyself  otherwise  than  as  a  dry, 
sapless,  dead,  and  barren  tree,  without  the  least  fruit 
of  the  spirit  which  may  be  pleasing  to  God,  and  bene- 
ficial to  thy  neighbour ;  or,  at  most,  with  only  a  few 
leaves  of  an  external  profession  of  tlie  truth,  and  ob- 
servance of  the  outward  worship,  as  a  covering  to 
thy  reproach  and  nakedness.  If,  under  the  convic- 
tion of  thy  natural  sterility  and  indisposition  for  any 
thing  that  is  good,  thou  wilt  lift  up  thine  eyes,  and  ex- 
amine the  dire  threatenings  of  the  law,  and  there  find 
how  the  divine  justice  threatens  all  dry  and  barren 
trees  with  the  last  fatal  stroke  ;  the  voice,  which  says 
cut  it  down,  \vhy  cumbreth  it  the  ground  ?  will 
throw  thy  conscience  into  the  utmost  consternation. 
This  terror-will  also  be  greatly  increased  by  reflect- 
ing, how  the  justice  of  God  hath,  on  account  of  im- 
puted sin,  proceeded  with  Jesus  Christ,  the  green 
tree  of  life.  Behold,  God  has  not  spared  his  own 
son,  but  punished  in  him,  with  the  greatest  severity, 
the  sins  of  the  world,  which  he  had  consented  should 
be  imputed  to  him  ;  and  caused  him  to  discharge  to 
the  utmost  farthing  those  debts,  for  which  he  had 
become  a  security.  No  favour  was  shewn  him, 
though  he  was  the  son  of  God.  For  as  he  had  taken 
on  himself  the  Avhole  burden  of  sin  ;  so  was  he  like- 
wise obliged  to  bear  the  whole  weight  of  God's  dis- 
pleasure. Alas !  how  did  he  totter  under  the  enor- 
mous load  !  how  did  he  tremble  and  despond  when 
he  was  to  drink  the  cup,  which  was  full  of  bitter  suf- 
ferings 1  how,  instead  of  sweat,  did  the  sanguine 
streams  issue  from  his  sacred  body,  and  run  dou  n  to 
the  ground !  how  was  he  reviled,  insulted,  abused, 
mocked,  and  spurned,  as  if  he  had  been  the  most  im- 
pious wretch,  by  the  merciless  hands  of  men  !  The 
meanest  servant  was  allowed  to  treat  him  with  con- 
tempt.    At  length,  after  he  had  tasted  the  bitterness 


198  Christ's  strFFEiiiNGS- 

of  the  most  painful  sufferings,  he  was  lifted  up  (as  a 
curse)  betwixt  heaven  and  earth,  and  gave  up  the 
ghost  in  the  greatest  disgrace  and  ignominy.  \Vhen 
thou  dost  seriously  consider,  O  man,  how  tiiy 
sins  have  brought  all  those  sufferings  on  him,  thy 
awakened  and  terrified  conscience  will  soon  teach  thee 
to  make  this  inference,  *  If  they  do  these  thing  in  a 
green  tree,  what  shall  be  done  in  the  dry  ?'  thou  wilt 
resemble  a  malefactor  standing  before  his  judge  to 
hear  the  sentence  of  death  pronounced  against  him. 
Thou  wilt  feel  something  of  that  anguish  of  mind, 
which  Christ  describes  in  these  words  ;  *  then  will 
they  begin  to  say  to  the  mountains,  fail  on  us  !  and 
to  the  hills,  cover  us  1'  thou  wilt  b  ready,  for  shame 
and  dread  of  the  offending  deity,  to  hide  thyself,  if  it 
were  possible,  from  his  presence,  in  dens  and  caves 
of  the  earth  ;  being  convinced  that  a  wretch,  who  has 
crucified  the  son  of  God,  is  not  worthy  to  walk  on 
the  earth,  or  behold  the  light  of  the  sun.  This  is 
indeed  the  legal  use  of  Christ's  sufferings,  when,  as 
a  mirror  of  sin  and  wrath,  they  terrify  the  consciene, 
and  occasion  an  unspeakable  anguish  of  mind.  But, 
according  to  our  present  situation,  we  must  begin 
with  this  method  of  considering  them.  Man  natu- 
rally enjoys  himself  in  full  security,  though  he  is 
the  object  of  God's  displeasure.  He  says,  I  have 
peace;  I  am  in  no  danger,  even  when  divine  ven- 
geance watches  him  like  a  lion.  But  God  has  in 
scripture  shewn  many  severe  examples  of  his  wrath 
against  impenitent  sinners.  The  first  world  was 
drowned  by  the  waters  of  the  deluge.  On  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah  he  rained  down  fire  from  heaven. 
Corah's  impious  adherents  were  swallowed  up  alive 
by  the  earth.  Lastly,  Jerusniem,  which  he  permit- 
ted to  be  rased  to  the  very  ground,  proclaims  the  di- 
vine Justice,  and  teaches  us  that  the  Lord  is  greatly 
to  be  feared.  The  heavy  judgments  which  God 
poured  on  the  Jews,  should  be  a  parricular  admoni- 
tion, calli^  out  to  us,  '  behold  the  severity  of  the 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  1*^9 

Lord  to  those  who  are  fallen ! '  If  God  has  not  spared 
the  natural  branches,  what  assurance  have  we  that  he 
will  spare  us?  (Kom.  xi.  21,  22.)  But  never  has 
God  so  awfully  maniiestcd  his  great  anger  against  sin, 
as  in  the  sufierings  oi  his  beloved  Son  ;  there,  O  sin- 
ner, thy  conscience  n>ubt  first  be  aviakened,  and  fil- 
led with  terror  and  anxiety  at  this  affectuig  considera- 
tion. " 'Ihis  itrror,  sjys  the  pious  Luther,  must 
arise  from  the  consideration  of  the  severe  displeasure 
of  God  against  sin,  and  his  rigour  in  punishing  sin- 
ners ;  since  he  would  not  acquit  his  own  beloved 
Son,  to  whom  the  sins  of  the  world  were  imputed, 
without  such  a  severe  expiation.  What  will  be  done 
to  actual  sinners,  il  the  beloved  Child  is  thus  chas- 
tised ?  Ine  xpi  essibit  must  be  that  guilt,  w  hich  re- 
quires a  pel  son  of  i^uch  transcendent  dignity  for  a 
satistiiction."  Hi:ppy  is  he,  who,  from  the  sufferings 
oi  Christ,  is  filled  v\)ih  a,  salutiiry  dread!  Happ\  is 
he,  who  is  induced  thereby  to  weep  lor  his  sins,  and 
to  apply  to  God  lor  grace  and  forgiveness.  Such  a 
one  will  have  no  occasion,  in  the  day  of  wrath,  to  call 
on  the  mountains  and  rocks  to  fall  on  him,  and  hide 
him  from  the  face  of  him  \\  ho  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and 
from  the  wrath  of  the  Lcimb,  (Rev.  vi.  15,  16,  17.) 

Now  he  that  is  thus  awakened  from  his  carnal  se- 
curity, and  has  a  settled  fear  of  the  wrath  of  God, 
ought  further  to  know  the  advantage,  which  a  peni- 
tent soul  may  derive  from  this  penitential  sermon  of 
our  blessed  Lord. 

A  penitent  person  is  one,  who  from  his  heart  is  ter- 
rified at  his  own  depravity,  anel  the  heavy  wrath  of 
God  which  he  has  deserved  by  his  sins ;  who  ac- 
knowledges himself  a  dry  and  unfruitful  tree,  fit  only 
for  the  fire  ;  who  inwardly  abhors  and  detests  all  sin, 
which  caused  the  green  tree  of  life  to  be  so  ie;nomi- 
niously  and  barbarously  treated  ;  who  now  makes  it 
his  ultimate  wish  that  the  sentence  of  God  to  cut  it 
down  may  be  reversed,  and  that,  by  tlie  vital  juice 
of  the  true  vine,  he  may  be  made  a  vegitating,  fruit- 
ful,  and  flourishing  tree. 


200  Christ's  supperings 

If  this,  O  man,  be  the  state  of  thy  mind,  then  deeply- 
lay  to  heart  this  thy  Saviour's  last  penitential  sermon* 
Turn  unto  him,  and  represent  to  thy  self  thy  merciful 
Kedeemer  turning  to  thee,  and,  with  a  look  of  the 
tendcrest  affection,  addressing  himself  to  thee  in  these 
or  the  like  words :   "  Weep  not  for  me,  thou  poor 
compassionate  sinner  ;   for  so  glorious  will  be  the  con- 
sequences  of  my    bitter  sufferings,   that  thou    hast 
greater  cause  thankfully  to  praise  God  for  them.     I 
have  discharged  the  debt  of  thy  sins  ;  I  have  abolish- 
ed the  curse  denounced  against  them  ;  I  have  inclined 
the  heart  of  God  to  look  upon  thee  with  affectionate 
love  ;  finally,  I  have  obtained  eternal  life  and  salva- 
tion for  thee.     The  severe  punishment  which  thou 
didst  deserve  I  have  borne,  that   thou  mavest  have 
peace,  and  be  healed  by  my  wounds.    Therefore  weep 
not  for  me  !     For  thyself,  indeed,  mayest  tliou  well 
■weep ;    since  thou  hast  brought  innumerable  pains 
and  indignities  on   me,  by  thy  sins.     But  all  this  I 
forgive  thee  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart.     It  was  of 
my  own  good  will,  that  I  freely  took  upon  me  thy 
sins,  and  the  punishment  that  was  due  to  them.     I 
am  the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  thy  sins,  and 
I  am  the  messenger  of  the  covenant  that  bringeth  thee 
pardon  and  grace  from  my  Heavenly  Father.     My 
blood  does  not  crv  for  veno-eance  like  tliat  of  Abel : 
On  the  contrary,  it  continually  intercedes  for  recon- 
ciliation between  God  and  man.     It  does  not  rend  the 
jieavens  with  a  noise  of  thunder ;   but  rather  restrains 
the  instruments  of  the  Di\ine  vengeance,  and  restores 
peace,   friendship,  and  tranquility.     Therefore  wipe 
thy   overflowing  eyes :   thou   hast  wept   enough  for 
thyself.     I  have  counted  thy  tears,  and  put  them  into 
my  bottle.     Thy  mother  has  no  cause  to  wish  that 
she  had  never  bore  thee ;  For  by  my  merit  I  have 
removed  the  sentence   of  condemnation  denounced 
against  thee  at  tliy  birth,  and  by  my  painful  death,  I 
have  rene\ved  thee  to  an  eternal  life.     Art  thou  for 
seeking  safety  among  the  rocks  ?  I  ^^•ill  hide  thee  from. 


bN   MOUKT  GOLpOTHA.  20l 

the  wrath  of  God,  and  by  my  mediation  thou  shalt  be 
in  perfect  security.  Art  thou  afraid  of  bein<^  hewn 
down  as  a  dry  and  barren  tree,  and  therefore  dreadest 
the  axe  of  God's  wrath  ?  know  that  I  have  suffered 
its  stroke  in  thy  stead.  I  have  permitted  myself  to 
be  rooted  out  of  the  kind  of  the  hvinp;,  tluit  thou 
mightest  be  spared.  My  merit  shall  protect  thy  peni- 
tent soul  against  it,  and  my  Spirit,  which  I  shall  pour 
upon  thee,  shall  make  thee  green  and  fiourishing  ;  so 
that  thou  shalt  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  ri\ers  of 
water,  that  bringedi  its  fruit  in  its  season.  The  name 
of  my  Father  shall  be  glorified  in  thy  wonderful  fer- 
tility, and,  after  standing  thy  due  time  in  the  garden 
of  my  church  on  earth,  I  will  transplant  thee  to  my 
heavenly  paradise,  and  place  thee  by  tlie  crystal  stream 
which  issues  from  my  throne  :  There  shalt  ihou  fioi!- 
rish  in  everlasting  bloom  and  verdure,  and  thy  leaf 
shall  never  fade." 

THE    PRAYEll. 

Now,  O  faithful  Saviour,  thanks  be  to  thee  for  this- 
thy  last  penitential  sermon,  and  for  thv  grace  wliich 
thou  hast  now  given  us  in  the  conbideration  of  it. 
Impress  it  deeply  on  our  hearts  by  thy  Holy  Spirit ; 
and  grant  that  when  we  reflect  on  thy  sufferings,  we 
may  say,  If  this  be  done  in  a  green  tree,  what  shall 
be  done  in  a  dry  ?  May  all  sleeping  consciei\ces  be 
roused  by  this  consideration,  and  be  filled  v.ith  the 
salutary  dread  of  the  wrath  of  God,  that  they  may 
be  awakened  to  a  sincere  repentaiiCe.  Spare,  we  be- 
seech thee,  diose  barren  trees  which  thou  still  findest 
among  us,  and  by  thy  \ita}  power  make  them  fruitiul 
in  good  works.  ,  As  for  those  whom  thou  hast  already 
fertilized,  give  them  to  abound  more  and  more  in  the 
fruits  of  faith  and  love,  that  the  name  cf  thy  Father 
may  be  glorified  in  them.     Amen. 

VOL.  II.  C   C 


'20^  Christ's  sufferings^ 


CONSIDERATION  III. 

THE    CRUCIFIXION    OF    THE   LORD  JESUS. 

*^AND  they  bring  him  unto  a  place,  called  in  the 
Hcb'evv,  (iolgotha,  Avhich  is,  being  interpreted,  the 
p!  ce  of  a  skull.  And  they  gave  him  to  drink  vinegar 
for  sour  wint  J  mingled  with  myrrh  and  gall :  And 
when  he  hud  tasted  thereof,  he  Vvould  not  drink  ;  and 
he  received  it  not.  And  they  crucified  him  there, 
and  two  other  malefactors  with  him  ;  one  on  the  right 
hand,  and  the  other  on  the  left,  and  Jesus  in  the  midst* 
And  the  scripture  was  fulfilled,  which  saith,  And  he 
was  numbered  Avith  the  transQ-ressors.  Then  s<iid 
Jesus,  Father,  forgive  them  ;  for  they  know  not  uhat 
they  do,'  (Matt,  xxvii.  33,  )4,  38.  Mark  xv.  22,  23^ 
27,  28.  Luke  xxiii.  33,  34.  John  xix.  17,  18.) 

In  these  x^ords  we  have  an  account  of  the  cruci- 
fixion o/  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  concerning  which  the  fol- 
lo\\ing  particulars  are  here  mentioned : 

First,  The  place  where  it  was  performed. 

Secondly,  The  preparation  for  it, 

Thii'dly,  The  crucifixion  itself. 

Fourthly,  Christ's  intercession  for  his  enemies  dur- 
ing his  crucifixion. 

I.  First,  As  to  the  place  where  Jesus  was  crucified, 
we  are  told  in  general,  that  it  was  on  Mount  Golgo- 
tha ;  and  we  are  further  particularly  informed,  that  he 
was  crucified  in  the  middle  between  two  malefactors. 

Mount  Golgotha,  or  the  Place  of  a  Skull,  derived 
that  name  either  from  the  roundness  of  its  summit, 
which  resembled  a  human  skull,  or  from  the  skulls 
of  those  who  liud  been  beheaded  there  ;  for,  accord- 
ing to  all  appearance,  Pilate  had  made  this  hill  the 
theatre  of  several  executions.  Possibly  it  was  the 
usual  place  wiiere  criminals  were  beheaded,  or  put  to 
death  bom^  other  xvay.     Places  appropriated  for  the 


UN   MOUNT   GOLCOTiIA.  203 

execution  of  malefactors,  among  the  ancients,  were 
generally  on  eminences  ;  that  the  greater  number  of 
spectators  might  be  able  to  see  the  execution,  anc  be 
deterred  from  committing  the  like  crimes.  How 
must  the  spotless  soul  of  the  hon  of  God  been  aftc  cted, 
as  he  ascended  this  mountain,  \\  hich  was  covered  w  itli 
crowds  of  spectators  rejoicing  at  his  ignominious 
death  !  What  a  contrast  was  there  between  this  as- 
cent to  Golgotha,  and  his  former  descent  on  Mount 
Sinai,  when  he  was  attended  by  hosts  of  adoring  an- 
gels, and  displayed  his  glory  to  the  whole  pe(  pie  of 
Israel. 

But  the  place,  where  our  blessed  Lord  was  cruci- 
fied, is  more  particularly  specified  by  all  the  lour 
Evangelists,  who  observe  that  two  malefactors  were 
crucified  Avith  him,  one  on  his  right  hand,  and  the 
other  on  his  left,  and  Jesus  in  the  midst.  Probably, 
the  Jewish  rulers  had  persuaded  the  Roman  soldiers 
to  crucify  Jesus  in  the  midst  between  the  two  male- 
factors. By  this,  their  design  was  to  bring  the  greater 
contempt  on  our  Dlessed  Saviour,  and  to  make  the 
people  imagine,  that  he  was  not  or.'iy  guilty  of  the  same 
crimes  with  those  malefactors,  but  was  their  chief, 
and  the  ringleader  of  all  those  rebels  and  seditious 
banditti,  with  which  the  \\hole  land  ot  Judea  was  over- 
run at  that  time. 

Let  us  admire  the  wisdom  of  God  in  the  choice  of 
this  i)lace  for  the  crucifixion  of  Christ,  and  observe 
what  doctrines  may  be  deduced  from  this  circum- 
stance of  our  Saviour's  passion. 

First,  We  may  observe  that  the  place  of  Christ's 
crucifixion  was  not  fortuitously  chosen,  according  to 
the  pleasure  of  his  enemies  ;  but  was  particularly  ap- 
pointed before  by  the  Divine  wisdom. 

I.  It  was  a  place  without  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 
This  happeatd  not  only  because  it  wns  the  custom  of 
the  Komans  and  Jews,  to  execute  all  capital  sentences 
without  the  city,  and  the  latter  even  in  the  wilderness 
led  blasphemers  and  sabbath- brakers  out  of  the  camp 


204  Christ's   sufferings' 

and  stoned  them,  (Lev.  xxiv.  14.  Numb.  xv.  35,  3G.) 
but  because  it  was  fixed  by  the  secret  decree  of  the 
Divine  wisdom.  Jerusalem  was  then  accounted  the 
metropolis  of  the  people  of  God,  where  the  Deity  in 
a  peculiar  manner  resided.  Now  Jesus  was  led  out 
of  the  citv  to  the  place  of  malefactors,  to  shew  that 
he  ^v•as  excluded  from  the  presence  of  God,  and  the 
fellowship  of  his  people  ;  and  ranked  with  those,  who 
fi'om  the  cross  descended  into  hell.  Thus  Christ  was 
to  bt  ar  our  curse,  and,  by  his  being  cast  out  of  the 
earthly  Jerusalem,  was  to  make  us  free  denizens  of  the 
heavenly  Jerusalem,  the  city  of  the  living  God.  Be- 
sides, it  did  not  seem  congruous,  that  the  great  sacra- 
fict  of  atonement  for  the  sins  of  the  world  should  be 
oifercd  up  within  the  walls  of  the  Jewish  metropolis, 
like  a  Levitical  ofiering.  An  open  place,  which  was 
not  confined  Avithin  any  walls,  better  suited,  an  uni- 
versal sacrifice. 

2.  It  was  an  unclean  place,  polluted  with  the  blood 
of  malefactors  ;  a  place,  where  death,  as  it  were,  had 
set  up  liis  standard.  Here  the  Prince  of  life  was  to 
attack  and  overcome  death  in  this  own  camp  and  do- 
minion, and  to  swallow  him  up  in  victory. 

5.  This  Mount  Gol.s:otha  was  a  part  of  Mount  Mo- 
riah,  on  which  Isaac,  that  glorious  type  of  Clirist,  was 
to  have  been  sacrificed,  and  where  Abraliam  received 
a  singular  demonstration  of  the  Divine  favour.  In 
this  very  place  the  great  antitype,  the  true  Isaac,  the 
seed  of  Abraham  in  whom  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 
are  blessed,  vras  to  be  sldn  ;  and  by  this  circumstance, 
an  Illustrious  pledge  of  God's  watchful  care  over  his 
people  was  given  to  the  whole  church. 

4.  It  was  a  high  place ;  and  by  this  was  fuiulled 
cur  blessed  Lord's  prediction,  that  the  son  of  man 
should  be  lificd  up  (John  iii.  14.  viii.  28.  \il  32,  35.) 
As  Moses  and  Aaron  both  died  on  a  high  uiountain; 
so  here,  the  true  High  Priest  of  the  New  Covenant, 
and  the  supreme  Lawgi\'er,  was  to  dye  on  an  emi- 
nence.  By  this  he  likewise  intimates,  that  by  his  Gos- 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA,  205 

pel  he  was  set  up  as  an  ensign  to  all  nations,  and  that 
the  Gentiles  should  enquire  after  him. 

But  our  blessed  Saviour  was  likewise  crucified  be- 
tween two   malefactors,  that  these  words   of  Lai:ili., 

*  he  was  numbered  with  the  transgressors,'  (Isaiah  liii. 
12.)  as  St.  Mark  observes,  might  receive  their  lite- 
ral accomplishment.  So  dcirl}-  has  it  cost  the  son  ol 
God  to  obtain  for  us  a  place  among  the  baints  in  light. 
That  we,  who  are  evil  doers,  might  be  numbered 
among  the  just,  the  just  and  holy  one  of  God  was  to 
suffer  himself  to  be  numbered  among  the  iransgres- 
sors.  Thus  we  see,  that  th.e  providence  of  God  ap- 
pointed the  place  where  our  blessed  Saviour  'i\  as  to 
be  crucified. 

Secondly,  the  choice  of  this  place  for  the  crucifiix- 
ion  of  our  Lord  Christ,  reminds  us  of  many  duties 
which  the  Christian  religion  enjoins.  That  the  place 
of  tli€  crucifixion  was  without  the  walls  of  Jerusalem, 
and  that  Jesus  was  to  go  up  to  it  out  of  the  city,  is 
mentioned  by  St.  Paul,  who  observes  in  the  Epistle 
to  the  Hebrews,  that  Jesus  has  thereby  fulfilled  the 
type  of  the  sin- offering  instituted  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment. (Heb.  xiii.  11,  12.)  The  bodies  of  those 
beasts,  says  the  Aposde,  whose  blood  is  brought  in- 
to the  sanctuary  by  the  High  Priest  for  sin,  are  burnt 
without  the  camp. '     Hence  he  draws  this  conclusion : 

*  wherefore  Jesus,  that  he  might  sanctity  the  people 
with  his  own  blood,  suffered  without  the  gate.'  As 
the  blood  of  the  sacrifices  on  the  great  day  of  atone- 
ment was  brought  into  the  sanctuary,  and  their  bodies 
were  burned  without  the  city  ;  so  Jesus,  who  also 
suffered  without  Jerusalem,  is  the  true  sacrifices  of 
atonement  ;  and  his  blood  was  carried  into  the  hea- 
venly sanctuary  for  the  atonement  of  the  sins  of  the 
whole  world.  But  from  this  circumstance  the  Apos- 
tle further  draws  this  inierence  ;  '  Let  us  go  forth 
therefore  unto  him  without  the  camp,  bearing  his  re- 
proach,' (verse  13.)  By  diis  going  ibrth  without  tiie 
camp,  St.   Paul,  indeed,  chiefly  denotes  a  departing 


205  Christ's  surFERiNcss 

forth  from  the  Jewish  rcHgion,  which  was  at  that  time 
extremely  corrupt,  and  all  its  oiuwurd  ceremoiues, 
which  were  superseded  b)'  Christ.     He  exhorts  the 
converted  Hebrews,  thit  they  would  no  longer    ad- 
here to  types  and  shado^vs ;   bu',   relinquishing  the 
Jewish  worship,  to  ack)iowicdgf  Christ  to  be  the  only 
High  Priest,  and  his  sacrifice  the  only  sacrifice  of 
atonement.     He  further  advises  them  to  appropriate 
that  propitiatory  sacrifice  to  themselves  by  faith  unto 
salvation,  though  they  might  on  that  account  be  par- 
takers of  the  reproach  of  Christ.     By  going  forth 
unto  Christ  w^ithout  the  camp,  the  Apostle  also  ex- 
horts us  to  depart  from  all  the  sinful  ways  of  the  world, 
which  do  not  agree  with  our  profession,  as  followers 
of  a  crucified  Saviour.     Let  us  therefore  refrain  from 
a  conformity  with  the  world,  which  lieth  in  wicked- 
ness.   Let  us  dep;irt  from  the  company  of  the  wicked, 
where  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God  is  trampled  under 
foot.     Let  us  go  forth  fro^n  the  Sodom  of  carnal 
pleasures,  ^vantonness,  intemperance,  &.•-.   which  are 
by  no  means  consistent  with  our  holy  professioii.    Let 
us  go  forth  to  Christ,  that  we  may  bear  his  rejjroich, 
and  be  partakers  of  his  sufferings.     Tiiough  the  world 
should  ridicule  us,  and  look  down  on  us  with  con- 
tempt ;   though  we  should  be  numbered  among  trans- 
gressors, and  condemned  to  an  infomous  death  ;  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Lord  of  Glory,  has  already  sanctified  these 
hardships  by  his  sufferings.     To  those  who  believe 
in  him,  and  suffer  for  his  name,  Christ  has  made  re- 
proaches, racks,  and  tortures,  as  it  wen. ,  the  steps  by 
which  they  ascend  to  the  mansion  of  giory.     It  must 
therefore  be  our  fixed  resolution,  rather  to  die  with 
him  on  Golgotha,  than  deny  his  truth,  and  be  ashamed 
of  his  reproach.     For  unless  we  are  willing  patiently 
to  take  upon  us  his  reproach,  we  shall  not  be  par- 
takers of  his  e^'erlasting  glory.     M  :y  the  Lord  Jesus 
of  his  infinite  grace  grant  us  such  a  temper. 

n.   VVe  come  now,  in  the  second  place,  to  consider 
the  preparation  that  was  made  for  the  crucifixion  of 


ON  MOtTNT   COLCOTHA.  207 

the  Lord  Jesus.  This  was  done  by  giving  blm  a  very 
disc  greeable  and  bitter  potion  ;  and  here  we  shall  take 
notice  of  the  behaviour  of  the  soldiers  on  one  hand, 
and  of  the  Lamb  ol  God  on  the  other. 

As  for  the  soldiers,  they  were  full  of  insolence  and 
cruelty.  For,  after  they  had  with  great  difficulty 
brought  the  blessed  Jesus  to  Mount  Golg^otha,  \\  ho 
was  now  wearied  and  quite  spent ;  they  endeavoured, 
while  some  of  them  erected  the  cross,  to  force  him  to 
drink  a  bitter  potion  which  they  had  carried  with  therrt 
for  that  purpose.  It  was  c  ustomary  among  the  Jews 
to  give  tho^e  who  were  to  suffer  a  violent  death,  a  rich 
cordi.  J  of  wine  mixed  with  all  kind  of  spices,  to  drink 
just  before  they  were  executed.  This  custom  m'ght 
be  derived  ii  om  these  words  of  Solomon :  *  Give 
strong  drink  unto  him  that  is  ready  to  perish,  and 
wine  to  those  that  be  of  heavy  heart ;  let  him  drink 
and  forget  his  poverty,  and  remember  his  misery  no 
more,'  (Prov.  xxxi.  6,  7.)  The  Jews  used  to  put  a 
grain  or  two  oi  frankincense  in  this  liquor,  in  order  to 
intoxicate  the  malefactor's  senses,  that  he  might  be  the 
less  terrified  at  the  apprehensions  of  the  cruel  death  he 
was  going  to  suffer,  and  be  rendered  less  sensible  of 
the  pains  of  it.  This  Jewish  custom  was  here  so  far 
observed,  that  a  certain  liquor  was  offered  to  Jesus  to 
drink  before  his  crucifixion ;  but  even  this  indulgence 
was  likewise  inhumanly  abused,  for,  instead  of  a  cor- 
diul,  the  liquor  offered  to  Christ  was  extremely  bitter, 
loathsome,  and  distasteful.  According  to  St.  Mark, 
it  was  wine  mingled  with  myrrh,  and  St.  Matthew- 
calls  it  vinegar  mingled  with  gall ;  for  in  mixing  this 
liquor  they  used  sour  wine,  little  different  from  vine- 
gar, and  by  dissolving  myrrh  in  it,  had  made  it  so 
bitter,  that  by  the  taste  one  would  have  taken  it  for  a 
mixture  of  vinegar  and  gall.  Whether  the  Jews  them- 
sei\'es  mixed  this  liquor,  or  whether  the  Roman  sol- 
diers did  it  at  the  insagation  of  the  Jews,  it  betrays 
the  most  invertrate  n.alice  rsnd  insatiable  cruelty  in 
our  blessed  Saviour's  eriemies,^  who  even  contrive  to 


208  Christ's  suFfERiNGS 

embitter  the  last  moments  of  his  life  by  giving  hint 
this  nauseous  potion.  They  treated  him  on  this  oc- 
casion worse  han  the  most  notorious  malefactor.  For 
we  do  not  find  that  imy  such  liquor  was  offered  to  the 
two  malefactors,  who  were  crucified  with  Jesus. 

But  let  us  enquire  how  the  Lamb  of  God  behaved 
on  this  occasion.  The  Evangelists  inform  us,  that 
*  When  he  had  tasted  thereof,  he  would  nut  drink ; 
so  that  he  received  it  not.'  Thus  he  tasted  this  bitty 
ter  niiubeous  draught,  and  permitted  some  drops  to 
moisten  his  parched  mouth  ;  bui  he  refused  to  drink 
up  the  bitter  potion  which  was  offered  to  him.  At 
the  same  time,  the  hand  of  God  restrained  the  brutal 
enemies  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  so  that  tliey  did  not  com- 
pel him  to  drink  the  mixture  they  had  prepared  for 
him. 

But  we  are  not  to  suppose  that  our  blessed  Saviour 
refused  to  take  this  cup  out  of  mere  delicacy,  because 
the  taste  displeased  him  :   He  did  it  rather  from  wise 
and  just  motives.     We  have  observed  above,  that 
such  liquors  were  given  to  malefactors  to  drink,  just 
before  they  were  executed,  with  a  double  view;  which 
was  either  to  intoxicate  the  malefactor's  senses  ;  or  to 
throw  him  into  such  a  stupor,  as  to  make  him  less 
sensible  of  the  pangs  of  death ;  or  perhaps  to  hasten 
his  death,  that  he  might  be  sooner  out  of  his  pain.    But 
neither  of  the  two  last  could  take  place  in  our  blessed 
Saviour ;  and  probably  it  was  the  least  of  his  enemies* 
intentions  to  alleviate  or  shorten  his  pains.     At  least, 
he  did  not  desire  to  lessen  his  sufferings ;  but  was 
wiiiing  to  feel  them  to  the  last  instant  of  his  life,  and, 
for  our  good,  to  taste  and  swallow  death  in  all  its  bit- 
terness, (Heb.  ii.  9.)     He  was  induced  by  the  most 
exalted  love,  to  offer  up  himself  to  his  Father  amidst  • 
the  most  painful  sensations,  and  voluntarily  to  lay 
down  his  life  in  the  hour  which  he  had  appoijited  for 
it.     The  first  motive  to  drmk  this  potion  was  like- 
wise incompatible  with  our  blessed  Saviour's  chirac- 
ter  :  For  he  was  resolved  to  preserve  his  soul  in  so- 


fiW   MOUNT    GOtGOrilA.  20J» 

bemft $s  and  serenity,  and  not  to  die  like  an  intoxicated 
slave  of  satin  ;  especially,  as  he  had  still  several  im* 
portant  things  to  say  on  the  cross,  and  many  rem  rk- 
able  prophecies  of  Scripture  to  fulfil.  At  the  biime 
time,  our  blessed  S-iviour  defeats  the  purpose  of  i^atan, 
which  he  thought  to  execute  by  means  of  these  sons 
of  Belial.  It  was  their  design  to  have  deprived  hint 
of  his  senses,  so  that  whatever  he  said  might  be  in- 
decent and  fooHsh  $  that  he  might  curse  his  enernies, 
behave  like  a  frantic  person.  But  this  expectation  of 
the  devil  and  our  Saviour's  enemies,  was  baffled;  for 
Jesus  declined  drinking  the  liquor,  which  had  been 
pr  pared  in  order  to  mike  him  an  object  of  ridicule; 
These  were  probably  the  wise  motives  of  our  blessed 
Lord's  behaviour  on  this  occasion.  Hence  wc  may 
learn  these  truths, 

1.  It  is  the  temper  of  the  world  to  endeavour,  that 
every  thing  may  be  embittered  and  rendered  dis- 
agreeable to  the  members  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Of  this  we  have  a  notorious  instance  in  the  behavi- 
our of  our  Saviour's  enemies.  The  mea  of  this  world 
cannot  find  it  in  their  hearts  to  shew  the  smallest,  and 
most  usual  kind  otfices,  to  ihe  godly  ;  and  when  there 
is  an  unavoidable  necessity  of  so  doing,  they  are  very 
industrious  so  to  embitter  every  indulgence  shewn 
them,  that  the  children  of  God  shall  be  little  the  bet- 
ter for  it.  All  their  cordials  are  mingled  with  gail, 
and  in  all  their  consolations  there  is  a  large  portion  of 
vinegar  ;  and  even  under  the  specious  appearance  of 
doing  tJ'ood,  they  endeavour  to  molest  and  aiRict  ihem. 
To  thia  hardship  the  servants  of  God  must  inure 
themselves ;  and  they  may  be  assured  once  for  ail, 
thai,  instead  of  any  comfort  from  the  world,  all  the}' 
have  to  expect  is  an  increase  of  their  reproach  and 
misery.  'Fheir  glorious  chief  fared  no  better ;  and 
thereiore  they  are  not  to  expect  any  other  treatment. 

2.  Jesus  Christ,  by  tastin::^  the  bitterness  of  this 
nauseous  potion;  vr;ts  to  expiate  the  volnnts-ius  chVu 

VOL.  II,  i>  d 


210  Christ's  sufferings 

CLicy  of  our  taste,  and  to  acquire  for  us  a  right  to  the 
taste  of  GkI's  love  and  sweet  consolation. 

He  did  not  indeed  drink  up  this  liquor ;  but  he 
tasted  it,  and  consequently  experienced  its  bitterness. 
This  biiterness  is  not  only  an  emblem  of  the  bitter- 
ness of  sin,  which  is  frequently  compared  in  Scrip- 
ture to  gall,  vinegar,  wormwood,  and  other  distasteful 
things  ;  but  of  the  curse  and  cliastisement  due  to  sin. 
Hence  the  Prophet  says,  '  Ye  have  turned  judg- 
ment into  gall,  and  the  fruit  of  righteousness  in- 
to hemlock,'  (Amos  vi.  12.)  Hence  the  Scrip- 
ture in  another  .place  attributes  to  God  lui  intox- 
icating cup,  the  dregs  of  which  all  the  wicked 
sliall  wring  out,  and  drink  them,  (Psalm  Ixxv.  9. 
IsiULih  li.  17.)  The  Lord  a^so  thus  threatens  simiers, 
by  his  i^rophct;  '  I  wiii  feed  this  people  with  worm- 
wood, and  give  them  water  of  gall  to  drink,'  (Jer.  ix. 
15.)  The  bitterness  which  would  have  been  our 
eternal  portion,  out  Mediator  has  once  tasted,  in  order 
thereby  to  expiate  all  the  sins  of  the  penitent,  to  ad- 
minister to  them  the  s^veets  of  Divine  comfort  at  the 
hour  of  death,  and  to  give  them  an  antepast  of  eter- 
nal felicity. 

Therefore,  reflect  ye,  who  still  drink  the  intoxicat- 
ing cup  of  Satan,  what  the  blessed  Jesus  suffered  to 
obtain  for  you  a  right  to  the  grace  of  God,  and  his 
sweet  consolations.  Oil  forbear  thus  greedily  to 
drink  iniquity  like  water,  (Job  xvi.  15.)  which  will 
cause  woe  and  bitterness  perhaps  in  this  world,  and 
in  the  next  torture  without  end  !  be  not  afraid  of  the 
bitter  myrrh  of  godly  sorrow,  which  is  far  preferable 
to  the  false  sweetness  of  sinful  pleasures.  Is  it  not 
better  to  mourn  for  a  short  time,  than  to  grieve  for- 
e\'er  ?  Is  it  not  better  here  to  drink  a  bitter  potion 
in  the  fellowship  of  Christ,  and  afterwards  to  be  eter- 
nally (^hilinited  witli  the  delights  of  paradise,  than 
to  be  intoxicated  with  the  cup  of  sin  ?  as  for  you,  who 
have  tasted  of  the  love  of  God,  and  the  sweetness  of 
•his  consoiaii:}ns.  know  that  vou  owe  tliis  to  the  bit-" 


ON    MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.  211 

terness  of  suffering,  which  your  mediator  has  tasted 
in  your  stead.  Let  this  consideration  move  you  to  a 
more  ardent  love  of  him,  who  has  en\pticdyour  cup 
of  sufferings  ofali  hs  bitterness,  and  alleviated  your 
afflictions,  by  mingling  with  them  the  sweets  of  his 
enlivening  comforts. 

III.  In  the  next  place,  vt  are  to  consider  the  cru- 
cifixion itself.  St,  John,  v\  ho  it.  kjiown  to  have  been 
present,  describes  this  transaction  in  a  very  succinct 
manner,  *  where  they  crucified  him.'  It  seems  -.is  if 
this  Evangelist,  when  he  was  goir.g  to  describe  this 
bloody  and  barbarous  action,  was  so  affected  with  the 
melancholy  subject,  that  the  tender  love  he  bore  to 
his  divine  master  would  not  suft'er  him  lo  d\veli  upon 
the  particulars.  The  Roman  manner  oi  crucifying 
malefactors  was  as  follows.  The  cross  being  first 
raised  perpendicularly, and  firmly  fixed  in  the  ground, 
the  criminal  who  was  to  be  fastened  on  it  was  strip- 
ped naked,  and  so  exposed  to  the  pul^iic  view,  with- 
out the  least  covering.  Then  the  sokliers  lifted  him 
on  a  piece  of  timbtr,  which  projected  from  the  erect 
beam  of  the  cross,  like  a  kind  of  seat,  and  so  placed 
him  on  it,  that  the  legs  hung  down  on  each  side  of 
.this  seat.  Then  they  proceeded  to  stretch  out  the  up- 
per part  of  the  body,  and  to  extend  both  arms  ; 
and,  having  first  bound  them  to  the  transverse  beam 
of  the  cross,  nailed  ihem  to  it  with  large  iron  nails,  dri- 
ven through  the  pahns  of  each  hand.  Lastly,  the  legs 
were  stretched  out ;  and  being  placed  close  to  each 
other,  each  of  them  was  separately  naiied  to  the  per- 
pendicular beam  of  the  cross.  In  this  ignominious 
and  painful  manner,  according  to  the  most  probable 
conjectures,  was  the  Lord  of  life  crucified. 

But  the  extraordinary  pain  and  ignominy  Vv'Ith 
wliich  this  punishment  was  attended,  whl  appear 
more  evident,  if  we  consider, 

I.  That  the  person  who  was  to  be  crucified  was 
stripped  from  head  to  foot,  and  thus  was  fastened  to 
tlie  cross  quite  naked,  in  t!ie  sight  ofa  \'ast  number  of 


212  CHRIST*S   SUFFERINGS 

spectators.  What  an  indignit}'  was  this,  for  this  di- 
vine teacher,  and  prophet  the  supreme  mtssenger  of 
the  heavenly  father!  ihe  Roman  laws  ordered  none  to 
be  crucified  but  the  worst  of  malefactors,  who  was 
deemed  unworthy  to  tread  on  the  earth  ;  but  the  di- 
vine law  farther  annexes  a  particular  execration  on 
this  punishment,  for  he:  that  is  hanged  is  to  be  accursed 
of  God,  (Dent.  xxi.  2o.)  This  punishment  was  like- 
wise extremely  painiiil.  For  as  the  criminal  was 
previously  scourged,  when  his  garments  were  taken 
off  they  must  naturally  tear  the  wounds  open  again, 
which  must  be  a  very  sensible  pain.  The  whole 
body  was  so  strained  on  the  cross,  that  the  bones 
were  in  a  manner  dislocated,  and  the  ribs  appeared  so 
plain  that  they  might  be  counted,  (Psalm  xxii.  17.) 
The  hands  and  feet  were  not  only  stretched  and 
bound  with  cords,  but  were  also  pierced  with  large 
nails  ;  and  as  the  sensation  is  exquisite  in  these  parts 
of  the  body,  by  reason  of  the  many  ramifications  of 
the  ner\  es  with  which  they  are  stored,  we  may  natu- 
ralh'-  think  that  the  nailing  of  them  must  occasion  the 
most  excruciating  pains.  After  all  this,  the  body^ 
torn  by  the  scourges  and  pierced  by  the  nails,  re-^ 
xnained  for  some  hours  in  the  open  air,  slowly  bleed- 
ing to  death,  and  languishing  under  inexpressible 
torture. 

Oh,  what  an  astonishing  humiliation  is  this  !  that 
the  Lord  of  Glory  should  take  on  him  such  a  painful 
and  infamous  death,  and  be  obedient  to  his  Father, 
even  to  the  death  of  die  cross  ;  that  those  hands  should 
be  pierced,  which  spread  out  the  heavens,  and  by  their 
touch  had  healed  so  many  impotent  and  sick  ;  that 
nails  should  be  driven  throus:h  those  feet,  to  which  a 
promise  is  given,  that  all  enemies  shall  lie  down  be- 
fore them  in  the  dust ;  that  he,  from  whom  all  derive 
iheir  clothing,  should  be  stripped  of  his  g.irments ; 
that  the  King  of  Ismel  should  be  an  abomination,  and 
',he  Deity  become  a  curse. 

Upon  these  circumstances  of  our  Saviour's  passion, 
1<,'t  us  mitkc  the  foilo\ving  observations  : 


ON  MOUNT   BOLGOTHA.  213 

First,  as  the  place  \\  here  our  blessed  Lord  was  cru- 
cified, was  not  chosen  without  God's  direction  ;  so 
neither  was  the  punishment  of  crucifixion  appointed 
for  the  Saviour  of  the  world  \^  ithout  the  wisest  views. 
For  this  sort  of  death  was  ver}'  suitable  to  the  mystery 
of  our  redemption,  as  will  appear  by  the  following 
particulars. 

1.  It  aptly  represented  Christ's  mediatorial  office; 
for  as  he  here  hui  g  between  heaven  and  earth,  so  he 
was  that  exalted  and  adorable  person  who  was  to  ad- 
just the  concerns  of  mankind  with  God,  and  reconcile 
heaven  and  earth. 

2.  By  this  lingering'punishnjcnt  on  the  cross,  where 
the  crucificG  person  lived  several  hours,  and  some 
times  tv  o  or  ihrce  days,  our  S,..viour's  pi  tience,  re- 
signati(»n,  and  obedience  was  most  propeih  tried,  and 
his  inconceivable  Une  to  the  human  race  displayed  to 
the  admiration  of  anjjjels  and  men. 

3.  By  reason  ol  the  curse  annexed  to  this  death,  it 
was  the  best  adapted  to  him,  who  was  to  be  a  curse, 
in  order  to  obtain  a  blessing  for  us. 

4.  By  this  igncmrnious  and  painful  death,  the  jus- 
tice oi  God,  and  his  extreme  hatred  of  sin,  were  sig- 
nall)    manifested. 

5.  It  was  a  punishment  by  which  the  sacred  blood 
of  Christ,  which  was  to  be  our  ransom,  and  to  puriiy 
our  consciences  from  dead  works,  was  to  be  abun- 
dantly shed. 

6.  This  exaltation  of  Christ  on  the  cross  was  a  type 
of  his  future  exaltation  to  the  right  hand  ol  God. 

7.  Lastly,  the  wisdom  of  God  had  before,  by  many 
types  and  prophecies  in  the  Old  Testament,  signified 
that  the'Messiah  was  to  die  by  this  kind  of  punishment. 
The  prophecies  oi  David  and  Zachariah  (Psalm  xxii. 
and  Zach.  xii.  10.)  ^^  ere  particularly  fuifiiied  by  our 
Saviour's  crucifixion.  The  offering  of  Isaac,  the 
erecting  of  a  brazen  serpent,  the  Paschal  Lamb,  and 
indeed  all  sacrifices,  which  were  Jiied  up,  ai-d  laid  on 
the  altar  to  be  consumed  by  firC;  were  types  whicli 


214  (*iirist's  sufferings 

prefigured  the  death  of  Christ  on  the  cross.  Let  u^ 
therefore  humblv  adore  the  infinite  wisdom  of  God, 
which,  from  such  wise  motives,  appointed  this  sort  of 
punishment  to  be  inflicted  on  our  mediator.  Let  us 
admire  the  Fitthtr's  unspeakable  love,  in  thns  giving 
up  his  only  begotten  >>on  to  the  most  ignominious  and 
painful  death.  But  let  us  also  grateful!}  revere  the 
transcendent  love  of  the  Son,  in  desctnciing  from  the 
throne  of  God  to  die  on  the  cross,  and  humbiir.g  him- 
self below  the  comprehension  ol  m  n  or  angel. 

Secondly,  The  crucifixion  of  Christ  is  to  be  ac- 
counted the  most  essential  part  ot  his  sufferings. 
.    By   our  Saviour's  suffering  on  the  tree,  our  sin 
which  was  committed  at  the  tree  of  knowledge,  and 
the  innumerable  transgressions  which  have  be  en  the 
consequences  of  our  fall,  are  expiated.     Oui  Medi- 
ator, by  permitting  his  hands  to   be  extended,  and 
nailed  to  the  cross,  has  satisfied  for  our  first  parents* 
sin,  in  stretching  forih  their  sinful  hands  to  the  forbid- 
den fruit.     By  suffei'ing  his  sacred  feet  to  be  nailed  to 
the  cross,  he  has  satisfied  for  their  approach  to  the  for- 
bidden tree,  and  our  voluntary  choice  oi  the  vvi.}s  of 
perdition,  if  we  leave  them  by  repentance.     By  suf- 
fering himself  to  be  raised  up  as  a  giizing- stock,  while 
he  expiied  by  such  an  ignominious  and  paintui  death, 
he  has  atoned  for  the  presumptuous  arrogance  of  our 
first  parents,  by   which  they  attempted  lo  lift  them- 
selves up  to  the  very   throne  of  God,  and  im.piously 
wished  to  have  no  superior.     Oh  wonderful  love ! 
worthy  subject  of  our  continual  meditations,  and  de- 
serving our  most    grateful   acknoulcdgments !     So 
deep  an  humiliation,  so  low  an  abasement  of  a  person 
of  such  transcendent  dignity,  must  necessarily  be  pro- 
ductive of  glorious  and  wondcjlui  eilects.     On  this 
cross  our  reconciliation  was  atchicved,  (h.ph.  ii.  16.) 
On  this  cross  peace  was  conclueeci  betwixt  heaven 
and  earth,  (Col.  i.  20.)     On  this  cross  the  hand  writ- 
ing, that  was  against  us,  was  cancelled,  blotted  out, 
And  taken  awa\,  (Col.  ii.   14.)     On  this  cross  the 


ON    MOUNT     GOLGOTHA,^  2''.5 

ciirse  was  repealed,  and  the  blessing  obtained,  (Gal. 
iii.  13,  14.)  Tiiis  cross  is  as  it  were  the  ladder  by 
which  miin  ascends  to  heaven,  and  the  Throne  of 
Grace,  where  the  sinner  fi  ids  pardon  and  forgiveness. 
This  is  tile  triumphal  car  of  the  commander  in  chief 
of  God's  host.  Here  he  triumphed  over  sin,  which 
he  bore  in  his  own  bi  dy  on  tlie  cross.  Here  he  tri- 
uniphtrd  over  the  power  of  satan,  whose  head  was 
bruised  by  the  heel  of  him  who  trod  the  old  serpent 
under  foot.  Here  he  triumphed  over  the  curse  of  the 
law,  and  placed  his  redeemed  in  perfect  security. 
Here,  at  the  same  time,  he  hung-  as  it  v/ere,  in  the 
most  endearing  atuLude,  extending  his  arms  in  order 
to  gather  in  and  embrace  all  ihe  truly  penitent.  Let 
us  learn  from  our  blesssed  S  ;viour's  crucifixion,  how 
we  are  to  ciucify  tne  oid  man,  and  to  mortify  self-con- 
ceil,  self-love,  and  every  inordinate  desire.  Hence- 
forth the  world  must  be  crucitied  unto  us ;  and,  the 
lust  of  the  eye,  the  lust  of  theft  :;sh,  and  the  pride  of  life, 
must  be  as  loathsome  in  our  eyes  as  an  executed  male- 
factor. Hencefor  h  we  must  h:.rb<)urno  sinful  thoughts, 
no  viscious  desires  which  are  displeasing  to  our  cru- 
cified Siviour.  Henceforth  the  reproach  of  Christ 
must  be  our  glory,  and  his  cross  our  standard  by 
which  we  must  live  and  die.  We  must  say  to  our 
Redeemer,  as  faithful  Ittai  did  to  David,  '  As  the 
Lord  iiveth,  surely  in  what  place  my  lord  the  king 
shall  be,  whether  in  death  or  life,  even  there  also  will 
thy  servant  be,'  (2  Sam.  xv.  21.)  Oh  blessed  fel- 
lowship of  the  cross,  the  consequence  of  which  is  a 
fellowship  of  glory  ! 

IV.  VVe  come  now,  in  the  last  place,  to  consider 
our  blessed  Lord's  intercession  for  his  enemies  during 
his  crucifixion.  St.  Luke  observes  that  when  they 
crucified  the  blessed  Jesus,  he  cried  out,  '  Father,  for- 
give them  ;  for  they  know  not  what  they  do.'  In  all 
appearance,  these  words  were  uttered  by  our  blessed 
Saviour  while  the  Roman  soldiers  were  extending  his 
sacred  body,  and  ^ailin^2:  it  to  the  cross.      A^^iik; 


216  Christ's  sufferings 

their  impious  hands  were  employed  in  treating  the 
Son  of  God  in  the  most  injurious  manner,  lie,  as  a 
merciful  High  Priest,  employs  his  tongue  in  pruyiiig' 
for  them,  and  intercedes  with  the  justice  of  Gud  to 
pardon  and  for|2:ive  them.  '  Father,  forgive  them.' 
How  properly  does  Jesus  here  use  the  endearing  title 
of  Father,  when  by  the  most  generous  love  of  his  in- 
veterate enemies,  he  so  gloriously  resembles  his  hea- 
venly Father,  whose  exuberant  goodness  extends  to 
the  unthankful,  and  to  the  evil,  (Luke  vi.  28,  35,  36.) 
In  this  address  of  the  Son  of  God  to  his  Father,  wc 
may  observe  an  interce^sion  and  an  excuse,  for  his 
merciless  enemies.  He  intercedes  with  his  heavenly 
Father,  that  he  would  forgive  these  his  blind  unthink- 
ing creatures  the  grievous  sin,  which  they  were  now 
committing  against  his  beloved  Son,  and  that  he  would 
grant  them  time  and  grace  for  repentance.  As  some 
alleviation  and  excuse  for  their  perpetrating  this  atro- 
cious deed,  he  aliedges  their  ignorance,  and  suppli- 
cates his  Father  to  look  on  these  wretched  men  with 
eyes  of  mercy  and  compassion,  to  pity  their  want  of 
understanding,  and  to  bring  them  out  of  their  blind- 
ness and  ignorance  into  the  light  of  the  gospel.  Be- , 
hold  a  prophet  far  surpassing  Moses  in  meekness  and 
gentleness  !  Behold  a  gracious  monarch,  who  takes 
more  delight  in  pard(3ning  and  forgiving  his  subjects, 
than  in  rigour  and  severity  !  Behold  a  merciful  High 
Priest,  who  has  compassion  on  the  ignorant,  and  on 
them  that  are  out  of  the  way,  (Hcb.  v.  2.)  and  even 
when  he  is  on  the  point  of  offcrmg  himself  up  for  a 
sacrifice,  prays  that  his  enemies  may  have  the  first 
fruits  of  the  atonement  which  he  made  for  sin  !  But 
these  words  of  our  Lord  Jesus  have  on  another  oc- 
casion been  explained  at  large,  and  published  sepa- 
rately. 

However,  as  these  words  of  our  blessed  Saviour 
proceed  from  the  most  fervent  love  and  affection,  they 
should  leave  behind  them  a  salutary  impression  on 
©ur  heai'tb,  and  serve  as  a  blessed  encouragement 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  21"?- 

to  draw  sinners  into^  the  arms  of  his  mercy ;  those- 
sinners  who  are,  as  it  were,  vvitliin  the  jaws  of  death; 
those  sinners  who  have  run  such  terrible  lengths  as 
to  seem  past  hopes  of  mercy  ;  those  sinners  who  have 
received  mercy  but  forfeited  it  again ;  and  those  less 
heinous  sinners  who,  after  receiving  a  du^-  portion  of 
.divine  grace,  are  conscious  of  many  sins  of  infirm. ity 
and  surprise.  Blessed  is  the  man  who,  by  a  grateful 
love  of  his  crucified  Saviour,  is  moved  eternailv  to 
renounce  sin  and  its  accursed  service,  and  is  deter- 
mined to  offer  himself  up  to  him  who  '  not  only  loved 
his  own,'  but  also  his  very  enemies. 

THE     PRAYER. 

We  adore  thy  perfect  love,  O  merciful  Saviour, 
which  humbled  thee  even  to  the  cross,  that  tliou 
mightest  exalt  us  to  the  throne  of  God.  Etenuiily 
praised  be  thy  name,  O  blessed  Jesus,  that  for  us 
rebels  and  outlaws  thou  didst  vouchsafe  to  become 
a  curse  on  the  cross,  that  the  great  copious  stream  of 
divine  blessings  might  flow  upon  us.  Be  thou  for- 
ever praised,  who  didst  condescend  to  be  raised  on 
the  cross,  as  the  great  antitype  of  the  br,.zen  serpent 
which  was  lifted  up  in  the  desart,  tliat  all  who  look  on 
thee  in  faith  may  be  healed,  iind  live.  (John  iii.  14.) 
O  fulfil  in  us  all  that  comlort-^ble  promise,  that  after 
thy  exaltation  thou  wouldest  draw  all  men  ui-tjthcc  I 
(John  xii.  32.)draw  to  thy  cross  the  carnal,  the  secure, 
and  the  licencious  ;  and  convince  them,  that  without 
crucifying  their  lusts,  they  can  have  no  share  in  trie 
blessings  which  thou  did^t  procure  by  th}"  crucifixion. 
Draw  to  thy  cross  the  troubled,  anxious,  and  timer- 
ous  consciences,  and  heal  them  by  the  salutary 
sight  of  thy  sufferings.  Draw  to  thy  cross  thy  true 
disciples,  and  grant  that  they  may  more  and  more 
increase  in  grace  and  wisdom,  and  in  the  knouiedgc 
of  thee.  O  gather  together  all  tliose  w  ho  arc  scat- 
tered abroad,  iar  from  thee  and  the  liglit  of  ihy  gos- 
pel,  and  embrace  thcin  with  the  arms  of  thy  mercy. 
Amen. 

VOL,    II.  EC 


218  Christ's  sufferings 


CONSIDERATION  IV.  .^ 

1 

THE    SACRIFICE  OF  ISAAC,  A  TYPE   OF   THE   GREAT      ' 
SACKIFICE     AND       CRUCIFIXION     OF     CHiilST. 

*  AND  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that  God 
did  tempt  Abraham,  and  said  mi  to  him,  Abr.ihim  I 
And  he  stiid,  behold,  here  I  am.  And  he  said,  'J'ake/ 
n,o^v  thy  soii,  thine  only  son  Isaac,  whom  thou  lovest, 
and  get  thee  into  the  land  of  Moriah ;  and  offer  him 
tlierc  for  a  burnt  offerinp;  upon  one  of  the  mountains, 
which  I  will  tell  thee  of.  And  Abraham  rose  up  early 
in  the  morning,  and  saddled  ;iis  ass,  and  took  two  of 
his  young  men  wit:i  him,  and  Isaac  his  son  ;  and  clave 
the  wood  for  the  burnt  offerin-r,  aad  rose  un  and 
went  unto  the  place  of  wiiich  God  had  told  him. 
Then  on  the  third  day,  Abraham  hfted  uri  his  eyes, 
and  saw  the  pkice  afar  off.  And  Abraham  said  unto 
his  young  men,  abide  you  here  with  the  ass  ;  and  I 
and  the  lad  will  go  yonder  and  worship,  and  come 
again  to  you.  And  Abra'iam  took  th^  waod  of  the 
burnt  offering,  and  laid  it  upon  Isaac  his  son  ;  and  he 
took  the  fire  in  his  hand  and  a  knife  :  and  they 
went  both  of  them  together.  And  Isaac  spake  unto 
Abraham  his  father,  and  s;iid,  my  father  I  and  he 
said  here  am  1,  my  son :  And  he  said,  behold  the  fire 
and  wood  ;  but  where  is  the  lamb  for  a  burnt  offer- 
ing ?  Aiid  i\.braham  said,  my  son,  God  will  provide 
himself  a  lamb  for  a  burnt  offering  :  so  they  went 
both  of  them  together.  iVnd  they  came  to  the  place 
which  God  had  told  him  of,  and  jVbraham  built  an 
altar  there,  and  laid  tlie  wood  in  order ;  and  bound 
Is^ac  his  son,  and  laid  him  on  the  altar  upon  the  wood. 
And  Abraham  stretched  forth  his  hand,  and  took 
the  kniic  to  slay  his  son.  And  tlie  Angel  of  the  Lord 
called  unto  him  out  oi  heaven,  and  said,  Abraliam ! 
Abriiiiiim!  and  he  said  here  am  I.      And  he  saicl. 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  2}9 

iav  not  thine  hand  upon  the  hd,  neither  do  thou  any 
thiiig-  unto  him  ;  for  now  I  know  that  th<  )U  fearest  God,, 
seeini^  thou  hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thine  only 
son  irom  me.  And  ^Vbraham  lifted  up  his  eyes  and 
looked;  and  behold,  behind  him  a  ram  caui^ht  in  a 
thicket  by  his  horns  :  and  Abraham  went  and  took 
tile  ram,  and  off  red  him  up  for  a  burnt  offering 
in  the  stead  of  his  son.  And  Abraham  called  tlie 
name  of  that  place  Jehovah-jireh,  as  it  is  called  to 
tliis  day.  And  the  Ang-el  of  the  Lord  called  unto 
Abraham  out  of  heaven  the  second  time,  ar.d  said, 
by  m}  self  have  I  sworn,  saith  the  Lord,  for  be- 
cause thou  hiist  dene  this  thing-,  and  hast  not  withheld 
thy  son,  thine  only  son,  that  bitssine  I  will  bless  thee, 
and  in  multiplying- 1  will  multiply  thy  seed  as  the  st.irs 
of  Iieaven,  and  as  the  sand  which  is  upon  the  sea-shore; 
and  thy  seed  shall  possess  the  gate  of  his  enemies.  And 
in  th}  seed  shall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  be  biessed, 
because  thou  hast  obeyed  my  voice.  So  Abn.h.sm 
returned  unto  his  young  men,  and  they  rose  up, 
and  went  together  to  Beer-sheba,.  and  dwelt  there.' 
(Cienesis  xxii.   1 — 19.} 

As  I  havcobser\Ld  in  the  last  consideration,  that 
the  sacrifice  oi  Isa-.sc  was  one  of  the  types  which 
prefigured  the  crucifixion  of  Christ,  it  will  not  be 
iniproptr  to  insert  in  this  place  a  particular  con- 
sicic ration  on  thib  glorious  t}  pe,  and  thus  to  diversify 
the  afiecting  piece  ol  our  biessed  Saviour's  crucifix- 
ion, as  it  were  with  light  ar.d  shade.  The  spirit  of 
God  has  been  pleased  to  intimate  to  us,  that  several 
incidents  which  happened  to  the  Messiah  are  pre- 
figured and  typified  in  the  account  of  this  remarkable 
transacuon.  For  St.  Paul  in  the  epistle  to  the  He- 
brews, (chap,  xi.,17,  18,  19.)  in  which  he  explains 
several  types  exhibited  in  the  old  lestament,  niakes 
tliis  observation  :  *  By  faith  Abraham,  when  lie  \vas 
tried,  offered  up  Isaac  ;  and  he  that  had  received  the 
yromibesy  ofiered  up  his  only  begotten  son,  of  Vtl';oin  it- 


220  cjwiist's  si/fferings 

v>-as  said,  that  in  Isaac  shall  thy  seed  be  called  :  ac» 
counting,  that  God  was  able  to  raise  him  up  even 
from  the  dead ;  from  whence  also  he  received  him 
in  a  fig-iire.' 

Here  we  see  in  what  light  Isaac  is  to  be  considered 
in  this  whole  transaction,  namely,  as  the  type  of  Jesus- 
Christ  ;  who  was  the  centre  to  which  ever}'  part  of  the 
preceding  diA'ine  ceconomy  tended,  and  the  great  an- 
titype or  substance  of  all  the  shadowy  types  of  the 
Old  Testament.  This  is  the  seed  which  was  pro- 
mised to  Abraham,  in  whom  all  the  nations  of 
the  earth  \'ias  to  be  bl  ssed  ;  for  the  Angel  sayest  not, 
*  And  to  seeds,  as  of  many,  but  as  of  one,  and  to  thy 
seed,  which  is  Christ.'  (Gal.  iii.  16.)  Our  blessed 
Lord  represents  himself  as  the  Antitype  of  Isaac,  and 
the  rejected  Ishmael  as  a  type  of  the  carnal  Jews, 
when  he  says,  '  The  servant  abideth  not  in  the  house 
forever  ;  but  the  Son  abideth  ever.'  (John  viii.  55.) 
St.  Paul  likewise  manifestly  alludes  to  the  account  of 
the  sacrifice  of  Isaac,  w-hen  he  observes  in  the  Epistle 
to  the  Romans,  that  '  God  spared  not  his  own  Son,' 
'(Rom.  viii.  32.)  which  words  seem  to  allude  to  those 
of  God  to  /Abraham,  '  Now  I  know  that  thou  fearest 
God,  seeing  thou  hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thine 
only  son  from  me,  (Gen.  xxii.  12.)  These  intimations 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  are  a  sufficient  u  arrant  for  our  enter- 
ing deeper  in  this  remarkable  history,  and  tracing  iii 
it  the  m}  slery  of  Christ. 

The  road  here  is  already  beaten  for  us  ;  since,  from 
the  very  commencement  of  the  Christian  religion, 
Isaac  has  been  ahvays  looked  upon  as  a  lively  type  of 
the  Messiah,  and  his  sacrifice  of  himself.  Kven  the 
ancient  Jewish  church  perceived  the  mystery  of  this 
transaction,  and  believed  that  the  binding  of  Isaac,  in 
(Vi'der  to  be  sacrific-d,  \\as  a  type  of  the  JNjcssiah,  by 
the  sacrifice  of  whom  God  was  to  be  reconciled  to  the 
Jews.  But  the  Jewish  church  afterwards  totally 
apostatized  from  the  faith  of  their  ancestors,  and  ex- 
pected the  Messiah  to  appear  as  a  temporal  prince. 


ON    MOUNT    eOLCOTHA.  221, 

The  later  Jews  being  under  this  delusion,  attributed 
the  reconciliation  of  Israel  to  Isaac's  being  bound. 
Accordingly  the  modern  Jewish  writings  are  full  of 
the  importance  of  this  transaction  ;  and  in  their  de- 
votions on  every  new-year's-day,  they  beseech  God 
that  he  would  be  pleased  to  think  of  Isaac's  being 
bound,  and  that  he  will  be  gracious  to  them  for  the 
sake  of  his  bonds.  Thus  that  obstinate,  infatuated 
people  ascribe  to  the  type  what  they  ought  to  seek  for 
in  the  great  antitype.  Blessed  be  God  for  that  light 
which  IS  risen  on  us  in  the  Gospel,  by  the  help  of 
which  vve  see,  in  all  the  circumstances  of  the  history 
of  this  transaction,  a  very  great  resemblance  with  the 
circumstances  of  the  crucifixion  of  Christ. 

The  two  principal  persons  mentioned  in  the  history 
of  this  remarkable  transaction  are  Abraham  and  Isaac. 
The  former  of  these  was  a  type  of  the  heavenly  Father, 
and  the  latter  a  type  of  Jesus  Christ  his  only  begotten 
son. 

With  regard  to  Abraham,  as  he  was  a  father  who 
had  an  uncommon  tenderness  and  aftection  for  his 
children,  so  that  it  was  with  great  difficulty  and  re- 
luctance he  was  prevailed  on  to  consent  that  Ishmael, 
though  rude  and  petulant,  should  be  turned  out  of 
doors  ;  much  greater  must  have  been  the  violence  of- 
fered to  his  paternal  heart,  when  he  submitted  to  put 
to  death  his  beloved  and  obedient  son  Isaac.  Thus 
God,  the  father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  is  love  itself. 
He  desireth  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that 
he  should  live  ;  much  less  would  he  desire  the  death 
of  his  innocent  son,  had  not  his  justice  required  such 
a  satisfaction. 

However,  as  Abraham,  at  the  divine  command, 
spared  not  his  beloved  son,  but  willingly  prepared  to 
put  him  to  death  ;  so  like^vise  the  father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  determined  at  the  demand  of  his  justice, 
to  givQ  his  only  son  up  to  death  for  us,  that  in  hini 
should  be  accomplished  (Acts  iv.  28.)  what  his  wise 
counsel  had  before  determined  to  be  done. 


222  Christ's  suFFEiiiNcsf 

As  Abraham,  in  his  ready  vviUingness  to  offer  ii]> 
his  son  at  the  divine  command,  gave  the  highest  proof 
of  his  love  to  God  ;  so  the  heavenly  Father  has  given 
the  highest  proof  of  his  tender  love  to  man,  sinct  he 
did  not  spare  his  own  son,  but  g  ive  him  up  a  sacriHce 
for  us  all.  'In  this,  saith  St.  John,  v.as  maniftsied 
the  love  of  God  towards  us,  because  God  sent  his  only 
begotten  son  into  the  world,  that  we  might  live  through 
him.'  (1  John  iv.  9.) 

Abraham  himselt  carried  the  knife  in  his  hand,  in 
order  to  sacrifice  his  son,  together  with  the  fire  to 
kindle  the  pile  of  wood  under  the  burnt  offering.  In 
like  manner,  the  heavenly  Father  has  shewn  the  rig(  ur 
of  his  justice  in  his  son's  snf^lrings,  and  diawn  it  a* 
gainst  our  surety  as  a  sharp  sword,  which  he  thus  ad- 
dresses :  *  Awake,  O  sword,  against  my  shepherd, 
and  against  the  man  that  is  my  fellow;  smiie  .he 
shepherd,  and  the  sheep  shall  be  scattered.'  (Zuch» 
xiii.  7.) 

As  to  the  other  principal  person  concerned  in  this 
mysterious  transaction,  namely  Isaac ;  he  represents 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  was  the  great 
antitype  prefigured  by  all  the  t}  pes  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment. 

Isaac  was  the  only  son  of  his  father,  being  his  only 
cliild  by  Sarah,  and  consequently  he  was  heir  to  all  his- 
possessions  ;  (Gen.  xxv.  5.)  a  child  whose  birth  had 
been  promised  long  bt fore,  and  whose  coming  into 
the  world  had  been  expected  for  several  years.  Christ 
likewise  is  the  only  begotten  son  of  the  father  (John  i. 
18.)  whom  God  hath  appointed  heir  of  all  things  (Heb, 
i.  3.)  a  son  whose  coming  into  the  world  was  expect- 
ed by  all  holy  men  for  four  thousand  years,  and  w  ho^ 
was  preceded  by  many  gracioiis  promises  ;  a  son  w  ho^ 
like  Isaac,  was  named  before  his  birth,  and,  contrary 
to  the  usual  course  of  nature,  was  produced,  by  the 
divine  pov/er,  from  the  barren  womb  of  a  virgin,  as 
Isaac  was  conceived  in  the  dead  womb  of  Sarah  (Ct  n^ 
xviii.  14.     Luke  i.  35, 37.)  Isaac  was  a  son  for  whom- 


OIC  MOUNT  COLCOTWA.  225 

his  father  had  the  tenderest  affection  ;  for  the  omnisci- 
ent God  says  to  him,  'take  thou  thy  son, thine  t)nly  son 
Isaac  whom  thou  loves  r.'  The  hke  circumstance  the 
Scripture  relates  also  concerning  Jesus  Christ.  He  is 
called  God's  dear  son.  (Col.  i.  13.)  He  was  begotten 
of  tlic  eternal  love  of  the  father,  who  himself  sent  a 
voice  from  heaven,  sayine,  *  this  is  my  beloved  son,  in 
whom  I  am  well  pleased,'  (iMatt.  iii.  ii.)  John  the 
Baptist  beareth  witness  that '  the  father  loveth  the  son, 
and  hath  ii:iven  all  things  into  his  hand,'  (John  iii.  35.) 
as  Abraham  gave  all  his  possessions  to  his  beloved  son 
Isaac. 

Isaac  ^vas  a  very  obedient  son,  who,  instead  of  mak- 
ing an  ill  use  of  his  father's  affectionate  tenderness, 
alwaj's  honoured  him  with  the  most  unreserved  obe- 
dience and  submission  ;  and  in  this  transaction  more 
particul  iriy,  he  gave  an  astonishing  proof  of  it  in  a  very 
extraordin  rf-y  case,  at  the  very  thought  of  which  na- 
ture itself  shudders.  He  patiently  submitted,  with- 
out making  any  remonstrance  against  the  will  of  God, 
and  of  his  father.  And  though  he  was  grown  to  years 
of  maturity  (being  supposed  to  be  four  and  thirty  years 
of  age  when  this  hippened,)  and  therefore  might  easi- 
ly have  mide  his  escape  from  his  aged  father ;  yet  he 
suffers  .'Vbraham  to  bind  him,  to  lay  him  on  the  wood, 
and  proceed  is  he  pleased.  In  the  same  manner  also 
our  blessed  Saviour  might  easily  have  escaped  from 
the  hands  of  his  enemies.  He  had  not  only  sufficient 
strength  in  himself  to  procure  his  liberty;  but  also 
twcive  legions  of  Angels  were  ready  at  his  command, 
if  he  had  been  inclined  to  make  use  of  them.  But  the 
blessed  Josus  was  ooedient  to  his  father,  even  unto 
de  th,  die  painful  and  ignominious  death  of  the  cross, 
(Philip,  ii.  o.) 

Isaac  was  an  innocent  son,  and,  though  he  was  to 
be  piit  to  death  by  the  divine  command,  had  com- 
milted  nothuig  worthy  of  death.  But  vv-ho  was  ever 
more  undeiiervediy  led  to  death  than  the  only,  the 
beloved  son  of  God,  who  had  always  done  what 
Was  acceptable  to  his  father  ?    who  ^vas  holy,  inno- 


224  Christ's  sufferings 

cent,  undefilcd,  and  separate  from  sinners ;  whcj 
knew  no  sin,  and  in  whose  mouth  was  no  guile. — ' 
Thus  Isaac  (  xhibits  a  Hvely  type  of  Jesus  Christ, 
the  only,  the  beloved,  the  obedient,  the  innocent  son 
of  God. 

As  to  the  rest  of  the  circumstances  of  this  trans- 
action between  Abraham  and  Isaac,  they  bear  a 
striking  resemblance  to  those  of  our  Saviour's  passion^ 

First,  In  the  cij-cuinstanccs  preceding  the  transr 
action. 

Second!} ,  In  the  circumstances  connected  with  it. 

'1  hirdly,  In  the  circumstances  subsequent  to  this 
remarkable  transaction. 

First,  Among  die  circumstances  preceding  the. 
transaction,  the  tbllovving  deserve  particular  notice. 

1.  The  land  of  Moriiih  was  the  place  appointed,  on 
which  Abraham  was  to  sacrifice  his  sou  Isaac  ;  so 
that  he  was  not  to  be  offered  up  in  his  father's  house» 
but  at  a  considerable  distance  from  it.  A  similar  cir- 
cumstance appears  in  the  sacrifice  of  Jesus  Christ. 
He  was  the  person  typified  by  all  the  offerings  men- 
tioned in  the  Old  Testament :  hence  it  might  be  ex- 
pected that  Christ  would  have  been  offered  up  in  the 
temple,  as  it  was  a  place  dedicated  to  his  father,  and 
emphatically  called  the  house  of  God.  But  as  Isaac^ 
the  type  of  Christ,  was  to  have  been  sacrificed  at  a 
distance  from  his  father's  house  ;  so  was  Jesus  like- 
"^Aise  to  be  sacrificed  without  the  temple,  his  heavenly 
Father's  house ,  and  in  the  very  place  appointed  for  the 
sacrificing  of  Isaac.  For  as  the  land  of  Moriah  in- 
cluded a  considerable  mountainous  tract  in  those 
parts,  it  comprehended  not  only  the  mountain  of  that 
name,  on  which  the  temple  was  built  (2  Chron.  iii.  1.) 
but  likewise  Mount  Sion,  Mount  Akra,  the  Mount 
oi  Olives,  and  Mount  Golgotha.  Now  as  God  was 
pleased  to  choose  one  of  these  eminencies  in  the  land 
ot  Moriah  for  this  typical  offering,  it  is  very  proba- 
ble that  he  chose  that  on  which  our  Lord  and 
S^iviour  Jesus  Christ,  Isaac's  great  antitype,  was 
afterwards  to  be  offered  up. 


ON  MOUNT  GOLGOTHA.  225 

2.  Isaac,  by  the  way  to  the  land  of  Moriah  con- 
versed ^■ery  affectionately  with  Iiis  lather.  '  And  Isaac 
spake  unto  Abraham  his  father,  and  said  My  father  !' 
f where  the  Chaldee  parapharase  uses  the  word  Abba.] 
And  Abraham  answered,  '  Here  am  I,  my  son.'  The 
same  filial  affection  shines  forth  in  the  Lord  Jesus  ; 
and  his  first  and  last  sayings  on  Mount  Golgotha,  be- 
gun with  the  endearing  title  of  Father.  And  his 
heavenly  Father,  though  not  in  words,  answered  him 
in  effect,  by  powerfully  strengthening  him  to  undergo 
his  sufferings,  as  if  he  had  said.  Here  am  I,  my  Son  ; 
and  at  length  receieves  his  soul  into  his  hands. 

3.  Isaac  carried  the  wood  on  which  he  was  to  be 
laid,  and  offered  for  a  burnt-offering.  '  And  iVbra- 
ham  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  &c.  and  clave  the 
wood  for  the  burnt  offering,  and  rose  up  and  went  to 
the  place  of  which  God  had  told  him.  And  Abraham 
took  the  wood  of  the  burnt  offeringand  laid  it  on  Isaac 
his  son.'  Thus  it  is  said  of  our  Saviour,  that  '  he  went 
forth  bearina;  his  cross,'  and  thus  he  draea'cd  to  the 
place  of  execution  that  heavy  piece  of  timber  on  v.hich 
he  was  afterwards  to  be  sacrificed. 

4.  Isaac  was  alone  with  his  father  the  day  on  v/hich 
he  was  to  be  sacrificed ;  the  two  servants  which  fol- 
lowed them  being  left  at  a  distance.  Christ  was  like- 
wise on  the  day  of  his  crucifixion  left  by  liis  disci- 
ples, who  had  fled  from  him  the  night  before,  and 
were  dispersed.  Yet  he  was  not  alone,  hut  conversed 
with  his  father,  as  he  had  foretold  in  these  word.^i : 
*  Behold,  the  hour  cometh,  yea,  is  now  come,  that 
every  man  shall  be  scattered  to  his  own,  and  shall 
leave  me  alone  :  And  yet  I  am  not  alone,  because  the 
Father  is  with  me,'  (John  xvi.  32.) 

Secondly,  Let  us  consider  the  circumstances  which 
attended  the  transaction  itself,  and  we  shall  find  that 
several  circumstances  of  Chribt's  crucifixion  v/ere 
exactly  prefigured  by  them. 

1.  Isaac  probably  was  stripped  of  his  clothes  wlien 
he  was  to  be  sacrificed,  accordins;  to  the  usual  cere.- 

VOL.  ir.  F  f 


^26  Christ's  supitri.n^gs 

luony  on  such  occasions.  For  before  the  victims- 
were  placed  on  the  altar  to  be  sacrificed,  their  skin, 
which  is  their  iipparel,  was  taken  oft'.  Hence  it  may 
reasonably  be  conchidcd,  that  in  this  sacrifice  also, 
the  apparel  of  the  intended  victim  was  taken  ojff.  It 
is  said  of  Christ,  by  St.  John,  (John  xix.  23.)  *  Then 
the  soldiers,  when  they  had  crucified  Jesus,  took  his 
garments;'  so  that  the  Messiah,  like  his  type,  was- 
sacrificed  naked. 

2.  Isaac  was  !>ound  hand  and  foot ;  for  it  is  said  in 
the  text,  '  And  Abraham  bound  Isaac  his  son.'  Our 
blessed  Suvi(;ur's  arms  were  not  only  bound  to  the 
cross,  according  to  the  Roman  custom,  when  he  was 
to  drag  it  up  to  Mount  Golgotha  ;  but  when  he  was 
Hfted  up  on  the  cross,  after  it  was  erected,  his  hands 
were  first  stretched  out  and  fastened  to  it  with  coi'ds, 
before  they  were  nailed,  as  we  have  already  observed 
in  the  last  Consideration, 

3.  Isaac  was  lifted  from  the  earth  on  the  altar, 
and  then  laid  upon  the  wood.  In  like  manner  Christ 
was  lifted  up  on  the  wood  of  the  cross  as  a  public 
example,  and  a  victim  to  the  divine  justice,  as  he  had 
foretold  to  Nicodemus  in  these  words,  *  As  Moses 
lifted  up  the  serpent  in  the  wilderness ;  even  so  must 
the  Son  of  Man  be  lifted  up,'  (John  iii.  14.) 

4.  Isaac  was  laid  on  the  wood  entire  and  alive ;  a 
circumstaiice  which  deserves  particular  attention. — 
Those  beasts  which  were  appointed  for  sacrifices  were 
first  killed  by  the  side  of  the  altar,  and  dismembered 
or  severed  into  several  pieces,  before  they  were  laid 
upon  it.  But  Isaac  u'as  laid  upon  the  altar  entire  and 
alive  ;  being  appointed  as  a  type  or  figure  of  that 
sacrifice  wliich  was  to  be  lifted  up  on  the  wood  alive, 
and  of  which  not  a  bone  was  to  be  broken.  Could 
there  well  be  a  greater  resemblance  of  concurring  cir- 
cumstances, to  adumbrate  tht^  crucifixion  of  Christ, 
than  we  behold  in  the  instance  before  us  ?  If  we  far- 
ther consider  the  astonishliig  patience  of  Isaac,  in 
bearing  all  this  patier.tly  and  silently,  without  anj" 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  227 

contradiction  or  repugnance,  it  exhibits  the  very 
image  of  Jesus  Christ,  who,  amidst  all  the  tortures  he 
endured,  did  not  open  his  mouih.  These  are  the  cir- 
cumstances ^\•hich  attended  the  transaction  itself; 
namely,  that  Isaac  was  hfted  up  on  the  wood,  nuked, 
bound,  entire,  ar.d  alive,  as  a  type  of  the  crueifixiQa 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Thirdly,  Among  the  circumstances  subsequent  to 
this  transaction,  the  following  are  piirticularlv  re- 
markable : 

1.  After  Isaac  had  been  for  three  days,  lis  it  were, 
dead  in  his  father's  heart,  [for  A'jraham  consigned 
him,  as  he  thought,  to  certain  death]  he  w^as  restored 
to  him  alive  on  the  third  day.  I'hus  on  the  third 
day,  Christ  was  also  raised  from  the  dead.  What 
happened  to  Isaac  in  a  figure  (Heb.  xi.  iy.)wasfui- 
iiiied  in  our  blessed  Saviour,  the  great  antitype,  in 
truth  and  reality.  Here  indeed  we  may  observe  a  de- 
ficiency in  the  type.  For  Isaac  did  not  actually  die  ; 
nor  was  he  actually  sacrificed,  though  Abraham  had 
already  put  the  knife  to  his  throat.  Ho\vever, ,  God 
was  pleased  to  accept  of  this  obedience  of  Abraham 
and  Isaac,  and  presented  to  the  father  of  the  fluthful  a 
ram  entana:led  in  a  thicket,  w  hich  the  g-ood  patriarch 
killed,  and  sacrificed  instead  of  Isaac  his  son.  But 
Christ  was  really  sacrificed  personally.  Here  the  di- 
vine justice  would  not  accept  the  will  for  the  deed. 
For  as  there  is  no  remission  of  sins  without  shedding 
of  blood,  it  was  necessary  that  the  blood  of  Christ 
should  be  shed  in  reality.  Thus  did  Jesus  really  and 
truly  die,  and  is  in  reality  risen  again  from  the  dead. 
There  was  none  to  release  the  blessed  Jesus,  no  vaca- 
rious  victim  that  could  supply  his  place  in  this  great 
propitiatory  sacrifice  ;  there  was  no  creature  in  hea- 
ven or  on  earth  qualified  to  finish  this  sacrifice,  \vhlch 
was  to  appease  and  satisfy  the  divine  justice  for  the 
sins  of  mankind. 

2.  Isaac,  who  had  been  bound,  was  likewise  relea- 
sed from  his  bonds  ofi  the  third  da.y  by  his  faUier. 


22S  Christ's  sufferings 

In  the  like  manner,  it  is  said  of  the  heavenly  Father 
in  scripture,  (Acts  ii.  24.)  that  he  'hath  raised  his 
son  by  loosing  the  pains  of  death,'  or  as  they  are  call- 
ed ia  the  rsalms,  (Psalm,  xviii.  5.)  'the  snares  of 
death  ;'  and  thus  set  our  surety  at  liberty,  '  it  being 
impossible  that  he  should  be  holden  of  death.' 

3.  Isaac,  after  this,  returned  alive  to  the  servants 
in  Abraham's  house,  and  lived  with  his  fether  ;  for 
we  find  that  '  Abraham  returned  unto  his  young  men 
and  they  rose  up  and  went  together  to  Beer-sheba, 
and  dwelt  there.'  Thus  Christ,  after  appearing  alive 
to  his  disciples,  returned  to  his  Father,  by  whom  he 
was  sent  into  the  world,  and  in  whose  house  he  noW 
eternally  dwells,  being  ministered  unto  and  adored  by 
all  the  angelic  host. 

4.  After  Isaac  was,  as  it  were,  risen  from  the  dead^ 
he  became  the  father  of  nn  innumerable  multitude. 
For  he  begat  Jacob,  the  father  of  the  twelve  Patriarchs; 
and  the  laiter  propagated  the  race  of  Abraham,  until 
at  length  it  became  as  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  the  sand 
on  the  sea  shore  for  number,  according  to  the  divine 
promise  which,  after  this  transaction,  was  confirmed 
by  an  oath  in  the  following  words  :  '  By  myself  have 
I  sworn  that  in  blessing  I  will  bless  thee,  and  multiply 
thy  seed  as  the  stars  of  the  heaven,  and  as  the  sand 
which  is  upon  the  sea-  shore  ;  and  thy  seed  shall  pos- 
sess the  gate  of  his  enemies.'  In  like  manner,  the 
prophet  says  of  the  Messiah,  who  died,  and  rose  again, 
'  When  thou  shalt  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin, 
he  shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  days,  and 
the  ])k  asure  of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand. 
He  shall  see  of  the  travail  of  his  soul,  and  shall  be 
sa'abiicd  :  by  his  knowledge  shall  my  rigliteous  ser- 
vant justify  many,  for  he  shall  bear  their  iniquities. 
Thtrcforc  will  I  divide  him  a  portion  with  the  great; 
and  he  shall  divide  the  spoil  with  the  strong'  (isa.  liii. 
10 — 1-J,.)  'ihus  Christ  is  become  the  father  of  ail 
innumerable  multitude  of  children,  many  of  whom  hei 
has  already  translated  to  glory  :  and  all  the  promises 


02C   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  229 

of  God  are,  as  it  were,  sealed  anew  and  ratified  by 
his  resurrection  (Heb.  vi.  15 — 20.) 

No  rational  man  will  imagine,  that  all  these  remark- 
able circumstances  should  thus  concur  fortuitously 
in  these  two  remarkable  events.  Certainly,  the  hand 
of  infinite  wisdom  must  have  interfered  in  the  affair, 
and  so  directed  the  several  incidents,  as  collectively  to 
iorm  a  complete  type  or  representation  of  the  sacrifice 
and  resurrection  of  Christ. 

Let  us  therefore,  first,  admire  the  veracity  and 
faithfulness  of  God  in  fulfilling  his  promises.  By 
the  crucifixion  of  Jesus  Christ  he  has  actually  accom- 
plished what  he  had  prefigured  by  this  type  several 
centuries  before,  and,  at  the  same  time,  verified  the 
saying  of  faithful  Abraham,  '  God  will  provide  him- 
self a  lamb  for  a  burnt  offering.' 

Secondly,  Let  us  acknowledge  the  justice  of  God; 
since  he  would  not  spare  his  only,  his  beloved,  his 
innocent,  and  obedient  son.  For  after  he  had  taken 
our  sins  on  himself,  and  appeared  in  our  stead  be- 
fore the  Divine  tribunal,  as  that  lamb  which  was  to 
be  sacrificed  for  the  sins  of  the  world;  he  was  strip- 
ped of  all  his  apparel,  bound,  and  lifted  up  alive  on 
the  cross ;  where  his  blood  was  shed  in  oi  dcr  to  ap- 
pease the  justice  of  God,  and  to  blot  out  our  sins. 
Who  does  not  in  this  proceeding  see  the  great  hatred 
and  abhorrence  which  God  bears  to  sin,  arid  his  seve- 
rity in  punishing  it  ?  It  should  there  impress  a  holy 
fear  on  our  hearts,  and  remhid  us  of  the  words  of  our 
blessed  Lord,  viz,  '  If  these  things  be  done  in  a  green 
ti"ee,'  if  the  obedient  and  innocent  Son  of  God  be  thus 
punished,   '  what  will  be  done  to  the  dry  ?' 

Thirdly,  Bat  let  us  also  here  adore  the  inconceiv- 
able love  of  the  heavenly  Father  to  the  human  race, 
who,  as  it  were,  did  violence  to  his  own  paternal  heart; 
sent  his  only  beloved  .'^on  from  his  bosom  ;  and  for 
us,  who  had  offended  him  by  all  manner  of  wicked- 
ness, delivered  him  up  to  a  painful  aud  ignominious 
death. 


230  Christ's  sufferings' 

Let  US,  in  the  last  place,  consider  the  inference 
which  St.  Paul  makes  on  this  occasion  :  '  He  that 
spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  for  us  all : 
How  shall  he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all 
things?'  Nothing  is  so  great,  but  we  may  now  con-^ 
iidently  hope  for  it  from  so  affectionate  a  father.  Now 
we  may  approach  him  with  faith  and  confidence, 
since  he  is  reconciled  to  us  by  the  death  of  his  Son. 
3i  God  has  raised  Isaac  from  the  dead  in  a  figure,  and 
restored  again  to  life  his  beloved  Son  as  the  antitype, 
and  loosened  the  bands  of  death  with  which  he  was 
bound ;  we  may  rest  assured  that  his  love  will  not 
rest  here,  but  will  accomplish  in  us  the  whole  scheme 
which  his  goodness  planned.  He  will  collect  our 
scattered  ashes ;  he  will  raise  our  bodies  from  disso- 
lution, invest  them  with  splendor  and  glory,  and  trans- 
late the  whole  man,  soul  and  body,  into  the  blissful 
mansions  of  his  house ;  into  which  Christ,  the  great 
antit)  pe  of  Isaac,  is  long  since  entered,  in  order  to 
prepare  a  place  for  us. 

THE    PRAYEll. 

O  HEAVENLY  Father  !  we  adore  thy  veracity  and 
justice,  and  likewise  thine  infinite  love,  which  moved 
thee  to  deliver  up  to  death  diine  only  beloved  Son  ;l 
tbiit  we  might  not  be  preyed  upon  by  eternal  deathJ 
as  sheep  appointt  d  for  the  slaughter.    May  this  amaz- 
ing instance  of  thy  love  be  always  fresh  in  our  minds,' 
and  there  flourish  and  grow  ;  so  that  our  cold  hearts 
may  be  inflamed  with  returns  of  reciprocal  love  to 
thee,  and  remain  eternally  thine.     Grant  this  for  the. 
sake  of  thy  beloved  Son,  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  V. 

TWO    REMARKABLE    OCCURKENCES    WHICH   POL- 
LOWED,  THE    CRUCIFIXION    OF    CHRIST. 

*  AND  Pilate  wrote  a  superscription  of  his  accu- 
sation, aud  put  it  on  the  cross.   And  the  writing  was, 


ON    MOUNT     GOLGOTHA.  231 

JESUS  OF  NAZARETH  THE  KING  OF  THE 
Ji'.VVS.  This  title  then  read  many  of  the  Jews  ;  for 
the  place  where  Jesus  was  crucified  was  nigh  to  the 
city  ;  and  it  was  written  in  Hebrew,  Greek,  and  La- 
tin. Then  said  the  chief  Priests  of  the  Jews  to  Pi- 
late, Write  not  the  King  of  the  Jews  ;  but  th  •'^  he 
said,  1  an>  King  of  the  Jews.  Pilate  answered,  What 
I  have  written,  1  have  written.  Then  the  soldiers, 
when  they  had  crucified  Jesus,  took  his  garments,  and 
mude  four  parts  (to  every  soldier  a  part)  and  also  his 
coat :  low  the  coat  was  without  seam,  woven  from 
the  top  throughout.  They  said,  therefore,  among 
themselves.  Let  u^  not  rent  it,  but  cast  lots  for  it, 
whose  it  shall  be.  And  they  cast  lots  upon  it  what 
every  man  should  take ;  that  the  scripture  might  be 
fulfilled,  which  saith.  They  parted  my  raiment  among 
them,  and  for  my  vesture  they  did  cast  lots.  These 
things  therefore  the  soldiers  did.  And  sitting  down, 
the)  watched  him  there  ;  and  it  was  about  the  third 
hour  when  they  crucified  him.'  (Matt,  xxvii.  3G,  37. 
Mark  XV.  :^4,  .i5,  26.  Luke  xxiii.  34 — 38.  John  xix. 
iy— 24.) 

In  these  words  we  have  an  account  of  two  remark- 
able occurrences,  which  happened  at  our  blessed  Sa- 
?yiour's  crucifixion  ;  and  these  are. 

First,  The  putting  up  a  title  or  superscription  on 
the  cross. 

Secondly,  The  dividing  our  Saviour's  garments. 

L  Concerning  the  title  of  our  crucified  Saviour, 
the  following  circumstances  are  mentioned  by  the 
Evangelists : 

1.  The  author  of  it ;  and  this  was  Pilate.  *  Pilate 
wrote  a  superscription,'  i.  e.  he  gave  orders  that  it 
should  i:>e  written  and  affixed  to  the  cross.  Thus  it 
is  said  above,  *  Pilate  took  Jesus  and  scourged  him,' 
(John  xix.  1.)  i.  e.  he  gave  orders  to  the  soldiers  to 
scourge  him  ;  and  the  same  evangelist  afteru-ards 
^says,  (verse  19.)  that  Pilate  put  the  title  on  the  cross  ; 
feyit  this  St.  Matthew  expresly  imputes  to  the  soldiers. 


252  ciiuist's  sufferings 

(Matt,  xxvii.  27 — 37.)  Thus  Pilate  js'madetli« 
author  of  this  superscription,  as  it  was  done  by  hi» 
order,  and  dictated  by  him.  Pilate  in  this  particular 
acted  according  to  the  Koman  custom.  Among  the 
the  Jews,  it  was  usual  for  a  crier  to  go  before  persons 
who  were  led  to  execution,  and  at  certain  intervals 
to  proclaim  publicly  to  the  people  the  cause  of  their 
condemnation.  This  was  sometimes  also  done 
among  the  Romans.  But,  for  the  most  part,  the 
cause  of  the  malefactor's  punishment  was  written  in 
black -letcers  on  a  piece  of  whitish  wood ;  as  the 
soldiers  did  on  this  occasion  b}'  Pilate's  order. 

2.  The  place  where  this  superscription  was  put  is 
specified  ;  for  it  was  set  up  over  his  head  on  the  cross. 
This  is  likewise  agreeable  to  the  Roman  custom. — 
For  the  tablet,  containing  the  cause  of  the  criminal's 
death,  was  usually  carried  before  him  when  he  was 
led  to  his  execution  ;  and  after  the  malefactor  was 
fastened  on  the  cross,  the  superscription  was  setup 
just  above  the  transverse  beam,  directly  over  the  head 
of  the  criminal. 

3.  The  words  of  the  superscription  are  mentioned  ; 
r^nd  these  specified  the  pretended  crime,  for  which. 
Christ  suffered  death.  Our  blessed  Saviour  had,  in- 
deed, been  charged  with  many  crimes,  not  one  of  which 
could  be  proved,  both  before  the  spiritual  cour:  and 
the  civil  judge;  but  Pilate,  in  the  superscription, 
confined  Himself  to  that  i  rticle  of  accusation,  which 
the  Jews  had  mostly  insisted  on  before  his  judgment- 
seat.  Now  the  capital  crime  alledged  against  the 
Lord  Jesus  before  Pilate  was,  that  he  said  he  was 
Christ,  a  king,  (Luke  xxiii.  2.)  and  when  Pi- 
late afterwards  we.it  about  to  release  him,  being 
sufficiently  convinced  of  his  innocence,  the  Jews  up- 
braided him  with  these  words  :  '  If  ihou  let  this  maa 
go,  thou  art  not  Cesar's  friend;  whosoever  maketh 
hiniselfa  king,  speakelh  against  Cesar.'  When  Pi- 
late afterwards  brougnt  Jesus  out,  and  exhibited  him 
to  the  pujlic  view  of  the  people,  saying  unto  them. 


ON  MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.      '  255 

Behold  your  king ;  the  Jews  publicly  declared  that 
they  had  no  king-  but  Cesar,  and  insisted  with  loud 
voices,  that  he  should  be  crucified,  as  a  mere  pre- 
tender to  the  sovereign  power.  Pilate  at  last  delivered 
Jesus  to  be  crucified ;  and  at  the  same  time,  |2:ave 
orders  for  writing  on  a  tablet  the  cause  of  his  cruci- 
fixion, which  afterwards  was  placed  over  his  head  on 
the  cross.  The  superscription,  according  to  St,  John 
who  stood  i)y  the  cross,  and  may  be  supposed  to  have 
seen  and  read  it,  was  this:  jesfs  or  NAZAJtExH, 
THE  KING  OF  THE  JEWS,  which  in  substaucc  agrees 
with  St.  Matthew's  account,  namely,  tjiis  isjesus, 
THE  KING  OF  THE  JEWS.  Pilatc's  dcsigu  by  this 
title  was  only  to  expose  the  Jews,  and  ridicule  their 
folly;  since  they  were  always  in  expectation  of  a  king, 
and  when  he  appeared,  they  would  not  rest  till  they 
caused  him  to  be  crucified.  But,  that  God  had  other 
views  in  permitting  this  superscription  to  be  set  up, 
I  shall  endeavour  to  shew  in  the  sequel 

4.  The  languages  are  specified  in  which  the  su- 
perscription was  written.  For,  according  to  St.  Luke 
;and  St.  John,  it  was  written  in  Hebrew,  Greek,  and 
Latin.  It  was  written  in  Hebrew,  because  it  was  the 
vernacular  tongue  of  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem, 
where  our  Saviour  was  crucified  ;  though  the  dialect 
then  used  by  the  Jews,  was  something  different  from 
the  pure,  ancient  Hebrew.  It  was  written  in  Greek, 
because  that  language  was  become  very  common  all 
over  the  East  since  the  time  of  Alexander,  and  was 
particularly  spoken  by  those  Jews,  who  were  dis- 
persed among  the  Gentiles,  and  of  whom  great  num- 
bers were  now  at  Jerusalem,  on  account  of  the  feast. 
Lastly,  it  was  also  written  in  Latin,  because  Judea  was 
then  a  Roman  province,  and  consequently  under  the 
dominion  of  the  Roman  emperors,  who  in  their  laws 
and  edicts  made  use  of  that  language.  Hence  it  is 
very  prohitble,  that  there  was  no  person  then  at  Jeru- 
salem who  could  not  read  this  siq^erscription  in  one 
of  these  three   languages.      And  tills  was  Pilate's 

VOL.  II.       ■  G  s: 


234  Christ's  sufferings 

chief  design  In  causing  the  title  to  be  written  In  these 
difierent  languages,  that  those  who  did  not  under- 
stand one  language,  might  by  means  of  another  see' 
on  what  account  this  celel^ratcd  prophet,  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  had  been  put  to  death,  at  the  urgent  soli- 
cirationsofthe  Jews,  his  own  people, 

5.  Lastly,  A  dispute  is  mentioned,  which  arose  be- 
tween Pilate  and  the  Jews  concerning  this  title.  This 
was  occasioned  by  the  following  accident.  As  the? 
phice  when  Jesus  was  crucitied  was  near  Jerusalem, 
a  great  number  of  Jews  resorted  thither,  and  read 
the  superscription  of  our  Saviour's  accusation,  which 
was  fixed  over  his  head.  It  may  be  supposed  that 
when  so  famous  a  prophet,  the  fame  of  whose  doc- 
trines and  niinicles  was  spread  all  over  the  country, 
was  hanging  on  the  cross  as  a  criminal  betwixt  two 
maleiactors ;  it  must  have  occasioned  a  great  many 
surmises,  and  awakened  In  the  minds,  both  of  foreign- 
ers and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  a  curiosity  to 
know  the  cause  of  so  strange  a  catastrophe.  The 
chief  Priests,  observing  that  various  remarks  were 
made  on  the  title  by  the  spectators,  immediately  dis- 
patched a  person  of  note  into  the  city  to  Pilate,  in  or- 
der to  protest  against  the  superscription,  and  to  desire 
the  governor  would  be  pleased  to  order  it  to  be  taken 
down,  and  another  to  be  set  up  in  its  room.  They 
couid  not  digest  the  form  of  the  title,  viz.  '  This  is 
Jesus,  the  King  of  the  Jews  ;'  for  they  were  ashamed 
of  such  a  king,  and  concluded,  that  to  stik  a  crucified 
malefactor  tlieir  king  was  an  affront  to  the  whole 
Jewish  nation.  Therefore,  they  requested  that  the 
'  superscription  might  be  altered,  and  instead  of  '  the 
king  of  the  Jews,'  it  should  be  written,  '  He  said,  I 
am  king  of  the  Jews,'  i.  e.  Jesus  did  indeed  pretend 
to  be  the  king  of  the  Jews ;  but  we  are  so  far  from 
ackiiowIed;j;ina;  him  as  such,  that,  as  loyal  subjects  to 
the  Roman  emperor,  we  have  caused  him  to  be  cvxu 
citied. 


ON    MOUXT   COLGOTIIA.  235 

However,  the  chief  Priests  met  with  a  repulse  on 
this  occcision.  Pilate,  ^rho  was  not  only  by  nature  a 
churlish  and  implacable  man,  but  was  also  chagrined 
and  disgusted  at  the  tumult  raised  by  the  Jew  s,  re- 
fust  d  to  comply  with  their  demands,  and  made  this 
abrupt  answer  :  '  What  I  have  written,  I  have  Vviit- 
ten.'  As  if  he  had  said,  \Miat  has  been  written  by 
my  command,  I  will  abide  b}- ;  I  shall  not  alter  a  sin- 
gle tittle  of  it  to  humour  you  ;  who  ought  to  be  very 
well  satisfied  with  having  obtained  your  princip  1  de- 
si^i.  The  rulers  of  the  Jews  thought  tliat  th(  y  h.  d 
now  got  the  power  into  their oun  hands,  and  i^s  ih^.y 
had  teased  and  awed  Pilate  into  a  compliance  with 
their  former  demand,  he  would  always  be  their  sub- 
in  iis^ive  servant.  But  on  this  occasion,  Pilate  once 
more  puts  on  the  imperious  air  of  a  governor,  and 
would  no  longer  be  dictated  to  by  the  Jews.  This 
resolution,  he  ought  to  have  shewn  before.  This  is 
the  way  of  the  great  ones  of  this  wTjrld.  When 
Christ,  in  his  members,  has  been  just  fastened  to  the 
cross,  and  the  sentence  of  death  has  been  executed  on 
them,  at  the  instigation  of  Antichrist ;  then  wicked 
statesmen,  who  were  the  persecutor's  tools  before,  re- 
assume  all  their  superciliousness  and  scorn  to  be  the 
dupes  of  envious  ecclesiastics  any  longer.  But  the 
hand  ot  God  was  in  this  transaction  ;  u  ho  already  be- 
gan to  reduce  the  enemies  of  Christ  to  order,  and  to 
embitter  their  carnal  exultations  at  his  death  by  this 
disappointment.  Here  these  words  of  tlie  Psalmist 
were  fulfilled  :  '  The  wicked  shall  see  it,  and  be  griev- 
ed ;  he  shall  gnash  with  his  teeth,  and  melt  away  :  the 
desire  of  the  wicked  shall  perish,'  (Psalm  cxii.  10.) 

Hitlierto  we  have  considered  this  superscription 
only  in  an  historical  light.  Let  us  now  look  som^e- 
thing  deeper  into  the  counsel  of  God,  which  over- 
ruled this  circumstance ;  and  even  from  the  title 
which  was  placed  over  the  head  of  our  cruc.tied  Sa- 
viour, we  may  learn  the  following  whoiesome  doc- 
trines : 


2:6  Christ's  sufferings 

1.  All  the  circumstances  of  the  superscription  on 
the  cross  of  Christ  were  directed  by  the  predeter- 
mined counsel  and  will  of  God. 

We  are  not  to  imagine  that,  because  it  was  agree- 
able to  the  Roman  customs,  God  looked  on  the  whole 
transaction  as  an  unconcerned  spectator.     If  Pilate  J 
had  his  political  views  in  this  affair,  God  had  much 
more  exalted  motives,  agreeable  to  his  infinite  wis- 
dom, to  permit  it.     For  it  is  said  concerning  the  pas- 
sion of  Christ  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  (chap.  iv. 
27,  28.)  that  Herod,  Pontius  Pilate,  the  Gentiles,  and 
the  people  of  Israel,  did  against  Jesus  what  the  hand 
and  counsel  of  God  had  before  determined  to  be  done. 
We  may  therefore  be  well  assured  that  the  hand  of 
God  was  also  concerned  in  this  title  or  superscrip- 
tion.    God  directed  Pilate  in  drawing  up  the  form  of 
it ;  but  at  the  same  time  restrained  him  from  making 
any  alteration  in  the  title.  ■*■ 

First,  The  hand  of  God  directed  Pilate  in  drawing  up 
the  title  agreeably  to  the  secret  views  of  the  Divine  wis- 
doiii.  'i'his  superscription  was  designed  partly  to  be  a 
remarkable  testimony  of  our  Saviour's  innocence ; 
Jience  Pilate  could  not  charge  him  with  any  crime  in 
this  superscription,  as  no  guilt  appeared  in  this  most 
holy  and  innocent  High  Priest,  who  hung  on  the  cross 
between  two  murderers.  It  was  likewise  designed  tobe 
a  testimony  of  the  dignity  and  glory  of  the  person  who 
was  here  crucified.  Here  Jesus  hungon the  cross;  that 
Jesus  who  was  to  save  his  people  from  their  sins  ;  the 
Saviour  of  whom  all  the  prophets  testified,  that  they 
who  beliexed  in  him  should  by  his  name  obtain  re- 
mission of  their  sins,  and  of  whom,  they,  among 
<^ther  things,  predicted  that  he  should  be  called  a 
Nazarene,'(Matt.  ii.  23.)  He  was  tliercfore  to  bear 
this  title  on  the  cross,  Jesus  of  Nazareth. — 
He  was  thus  stiled  not  only  because  he  \vas  brought 
lip  in  Nazareth,  but  as  he  was  the  antitype  of  all  the 
Nazarites  of  the  Old  Testament ;  and  sacrificed  him- 
jielffor  us,  and  by  the  strictest  vow  had  bound  him-. 


ON   MOUNT    COLCOTIIA,  237 

self  to  the  Father  as  our  surety.     Jesus  of  naza- 
KETH,  THE  KING  OF  THE  JEWS.     This  last  title 
was  given  to  the  blessed  Jesus  in  allusion  to  the  writ- 
ings of  the  prophets,  where  the  promised  Messiah  is 
described  as  the  King  of  the  Jews :  '  Behold,  the  days 
come,  saith  the  Lord,  that  I  will  raise  unto  David  a 
righteous  branch,  and  a  Kin  c  shall  reign  and  prosper, 
and  shall  execute  judgment  and  justice  in  the  earth. 
In  his  days  Judah  shall  be  saved,  and  Israel  shiill  dwell 
safely ;  and  this  is  the  name  whereby  he  shall  be 
called,  The  lord  our  righteousness,  (Jcr.  xxiii. 
5,  6.)     Rejoice  greatly,  O  daughter  of  Sion  !  shout, 
O  daughter  of  Jerusalem  !   Behold,  thy  king  cometh 
unto  thee  :  He  is  just  and  having  salvation,   &.C.' 
(Zach.  ix.  9.)     Therefore,  according  to  the  stile  of 
the  prophets,  this  title  was  the  same  as  if  it  had  been 
^thus  expressed  :  This  is  Jesus  the  Messiah.     More- 
over, as  this  royal  title  of  tlie  blessed  Jesus  was  set 
upon  the  cross,  it  also  denotes  that  his  kingdom  is 
not  a  worldly  kingdom,  but  the  kingdom  of  the  cross  ; 
and  that  the  preaching  of  the  cross  should  be  the 
means,  by  which  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ  v»'as  to 
.  be  established  among  the  Jews  and  Gentiles.     Other 
"sovereigns,  at  their  demise,  are  deprived  of  theii-  dig- 
nity, and  leave  their  power  to  others;  but  this  king 
obtained  even  in  death  a  most  glorious  triumph  over 
Lis  enemies  ;  and  of  him  it  may  be  said,  that  he  did 
not  take  full  possession  of  his  kingdom  till  after  his 
decease.     Lastly,  as  this  title  was  ^vritten  in  the  three 
languages  which  were  then  most  known  in  the  world, 
we  are  to  understand  that  this  Jesus  of  Nazareth  was 
;iot  only  the  kingof  the  Jews,  who  were  the  descend- 
ants of  Abraham  ;  but  was  to  be  a  king  over  the  whole 
Israel  ot  God,  which  was  to  be  gathered  together  from 
all  people,  nations,  and  languages.     To  all  these  par- 
ticulars which  the  wisdom  of  God  had  in  view,  Pilate 
was  an  utter  stranger;   but  he  was  made  the  iistru- 
ment,  who  unknowingly  acted  in  subservience  to  the 
Divine  decrees.     But 


S38  Christ's   sufferings 

Secondly,  That  same  omnipotent  hand  which  di- 
rected Piiute  in  drawing  up  the  superscription  to  be 
fixed  on  the  cross,  also  restrained  him  from  gi^  ing 
way  to  the  Jews,  who  were  for  making  a  great  altera- 
tion in  the  title.  For,  since  it  was  to  serve  as  a  testi- 
mony Oi  our  Saviour's  innocence,  the  Jews  were  by 
no  means  to  be  gratified  ;  who  were  for  charging  him 
with  a  crime  by  requesting  Pilate  to  write,  '  That  he 
said,  I  am  the  King  of  the  Jews.'  For,  though  this 
was,  in  some  measure,  true  ;  Christ  having  openly 
decliircd  that  he  was  king  of  Israel ;  yet  most  readers 
would  have  annexed  quite  another  meaning  to  these 
words,  .,nd  concluded  that  Jesus  had  falsely  pretended 
to  be  king  of  the  Jews,  in  opposition  to  the  Roman- 
emperor  ;  and  b}'  this  means  a  cloud  would  have  been 
CL.st  over  his  innocence.  Besides,  as  this  superscrip- 
tion was  to  be  a  testimony  of  the  transcendent  dig- 
nity and  glory  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  title  could  not  un- 
dergo any  alteration  ;  the  kingly  dignit}  of  Christ  be- 
ing not  subject  to  any  change  or  diminution  no  more 
than  his  kingdom,  which  is  everlasting  and  unchange- 
able. Thoueh  the.  world  exert  itself  in  noise  and 
tumult,  and  though  the  Jews  and  Gentiles  join  toge- 
ther in  council,  and  use  their  united  efforts  to  shake 
off  the  yoke  of  this  almighty  kijig  ;  yet,  as  the  Psalm- 
ist prophesies,  their  combined  endeavours  to  dethrone 
the  king,  which  God  has  anointed,  will  at  last  turn 
to  their  own  confusion. 

Moreover,  the  circumstances  attending  this  super- 
scription, or  title  of  Christ,  comprehended  several 
mysterious  traces  of  future  transactions  in  the  king- 
dom of  Christ,  which  the  hand  of  Divine  Providence, 
ha:--,  as  it  were,  delineated  therein. 

Thar  Pihite,  a  person  of  distinction,  and  the  Roman 
governor  of  the  province,  should  himself  cause  the 
superscripiion  to  be  thus  written,  '  Jesus  of  Nazuredi, 
the  King  of  the  Jews,'  and  then  to  be  set  on  the  cross, 
was  a  prophetic  intimation  that  Pagan  sovereigns, 
rulers,  and  governorb,  would  acknowledge  Christ  i» 
be  the  Lord. 


ON"    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  239 

This  title  was  not  put  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  but  over 
his  heud,  to  si,?nif}-,  that  he  was  a  king  who  was  to  •  e 
looked  on  as  the  head  of  his  church,  and  whose  po'v- 
er  was  not  fri-m  below  but  from  above  ;  and  th^it  a 
name  should  be  given  him,  which  was  above  every 
name. 

This  superscription  was  written  in  three  different 
languages  as  a  presage  of  the  gift  of  tongues,  im- 
parted at  the  feast  ot  Pentecost  to  the  Apostles,  the 
heralds  of  those  days ;  and  shews  that  all  languages 
would  soon  acknowledge  Jesus  to  be  the  Lord,  er  ■  the 
glorv  of  God  the  Father;  that  his  dominion  wojl  :  be 
extended  more  particularly  among  the  Jews,  Greeks, 
and  Romans. 

The  objection,  which  the  Jewish  rulers  m-de 
against  this  title,  was  a  sign  of  the  opposition,  w'j  ii 
the  doctrine  of  Jesus  being  the  jNIessiah  and  Ki^'  r  of 
Israel,  should  afterwards  meet  with  from  the  unbe- 
lieving Jews. 

Lastly,  no  alteration  was  made  in  the  title  out  of 
complaisance  to  the  Jews ;  this  serves  to  .-.hev/  that 
God's  decree  of  exalting  Christ  to  be  head  and  king 
of  the  Church  would  ever  remain  unchangeai)ie. 
Thus  the  wisdom  of  God  may  be  traced  in  all  the  cir- 
cumstances attending  this  superscription. 

2.  The  title  which  was  placed  on  the  cross  of  Jesus 
Christ  is  a  table  from  which  we  may  leai*n  several 
useful  lessons. 

1.  We  may  learn  from  it,  that  the  vain  fondness 
for  empty  titles  must  be  renounced  in  foUovv-ing  the 
crucified  Jesus. 

As  glorious  as  this  title  appears  according  to  God's 
secret  decrees,  it  was  no  less  scandalous,  at  the  same 
time,  in  the  eyes  of  carnal  reason.  There  was  not  at 
that  time  so  despicable  a  nation  under  the  sun  as  the 
Jc\vs  were  ;  so  that  to  be  stiled  the  king  of  the  Jews, 
was  looked  upon  by  the  haughty  Romans  as  far  from 
being  any  h  wmr.  Be?i'i:  -,  it  must  appear  very 
■strange  for  a  person  who  vv'iLs  a  king  to  hang  on  the 


24ft^  Christ's  suffering^; 

cross  stripped  naked  like  a  slave.  Now  as  die  Lord 
of  Glory  did  not  disdain  a  title,  which  seemed  so  re- 
proachful in  the  eye  of  the  world,  should  not  this  dis- 
pose us  willing-ly  to  renounce  our  fondness  for  titles, 
which  is  grounded  on  vanity  and  pride  ? 

Secondly,  whoever  will  acknowledge  Jesus  to  be 
his  Saviour,  and  expects  to  be  saved  by  him,  must 
resolve  to  take  up  his  cross. 

It  was  certainly  for  a  wise  end,  that  the  name  of 
Jesus  was  set  on  his  cross.  For  by  this  circumstance 
*''!the  secret  counsel  of  God  designed  to  intimate,  that 
they  who  would  look  on  the  blessed  Jesus  as  their 
Saviour  and  iiedecmer,  must  take  on  them  the  cross. 
Clirist  and  the  cross  are,  as  it  were,  inseparably  con- 
nected ;  and  what  God  has  joined  together  let  no  man 
put  asunder.  But  alas  !  how  many  are  unhappily  in- 
dustrious in  finding  means  to  separate  Christ  and  the 
t:ross.  A  Saviour  they  readily  embrace ;  but  few 
choose  a  Saviour  who  will  lay  the  cross  on  them.  How 
few  assume  the  same  motto  with  St.  Paul,  *  God  for- 
bid tliat  I  should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,'  (Gal.  vi.  14.)  The  cross  is  now 
sweetened,  and  rendered  honourable;  since  Christ  our 
Saviour  hung  on  it,  with  his  glorious  title  fastened  to 
it o\er  his  sacred  head. 

Thirdly,  whoever  owns  the  blessed  Jesus  for  his 
kino;  must  alrso  be  willing  to  enter  into  the  fellowship 
of  his  ixiproach. 

Jesus  is,  in  the  title,  termed  a  king  ;  yet  behold  him 
in  the  most  disgraceful  reproach  hanging  betwixt  hea- 
ven and  earth.  Thus  believers  likewise  are  kings 
aiid  priests  to  God ;  and  yet  how  despicable  does 
their  kingly  di.^jnity  appear  to  the  eyes  of  the  world, 
as  it  is  now  hidden  under  the  cross?  during  the  Pa- 
gan persecutions  it  was  usual,  when  they  ledam.artyr 
to  execution,  to  carry  before  him  a  table  on  which 
was  \mtten  the  cause  ol  his  death,  in  these  words  : 
"This  isaChristian."  If  we  lived  in  those  times  should 
we,  when  asked  about  our  profession,  have  readily 


I 


ON  MOUNT  GOLGOTHA.  241 

answered,  I  am  a  Christian  ?  It  is  to  be  feared,  that  if 
the  consequence  of  such  a  declaration  were  death, 
many  of  us  would  hesitate,  and  be  at  a  stand.  How- 
ever, we  must  be  ready  to  undergo  something  for  the 
sake  of  our  king  when  called  upon  to  suffer.  Did  our 
blessed  Saviour  for  our  sake  undergo  such  a  series  of 
sufferings-?  and  shall  we  not  for  his  sake  and  for  the 
confession  of  his  kingdom,  suffer  ourselves  to  be 
mocked  and  despised  ? 

Fourthly,  as  God  can  so  incline  the  hearts  of  his 
enemies  as  to  make  them  subservient  to  his  decrees, 
we,  who  are  under  the  protection  of  Jesus  Christ, 
eught  to  lay  aside  all  fear  of  men. 

What  a  remarkable  proof  was  it  of  God's  power  ia 
turning  the  human  heart,  that  Pilate,  almost  like 
Caiaphas,  (John  xi.  51.)  should  write  the  truth  un- 
knowingly and  against  his  will ;  and  that  he  should 
be,  as  it  were,  the  first  Apostle,  in  proclaiming  the 
Gospel  of  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ  in  three  dif- 
ferent languages  !  This  instance  should  be  an  assur- 
ance to  believers,  that  all  things  shall  work  together 
for  their  good;  and  that  even  the  devices  and  schemesf 
of  their  enemies  shall  terminate  in  promoting  the  de- 
crees of  God.  Who  then  will  be  terrified  at  the  en- 
terprizes  of  their  enemies?  who  will  be  afraid  of 
them,  so  as  to  be  deterred  from  following  Christ? 
They  have  no  power  of  themselves  to  hurt  us  ;  tiiey 
cannot  do  what  they  will ;  but,  even  against  tiieir  vvill 
must  execute  what  God  has  appointed  concerning 
his  servants. 

Fifthly,  when  the  cause  of  Christ  seems  to  be  in 
the  greatest  danger,  then  God  more  eminently  displays 
his  glory. 

The  enemies  of  Christ  little  expected,  when  he  was 
«nce  fastened  on  the  cross,  that  they  should  ever  hear 
©f  him  again.  But  behold  !  while  Jesus  was  yet  hang- 
ing on  tlie  cross,  God  begins  to  glorify  his  name,  by 
directing  Pilate  to  say,  '  What  1  have  written,  I  have 
written.'     Thus  for  the  consolation  of  his  oppressed 

VOL.    TT,  H    h 


2i2  Christ's  suiPEiiiNcsf 

people,  God  stiles  himself  *  T  am  that  I  am,*  (Exodus 
iii.  14.)  The  case  is  still  the  same;  when,  to  men, 
things  seem  irretrievable,  God  shews  himself  in  his 
incontroulable  power,  and  draws  a  line  and  sets 
bounds  to  the  desire  of  the  wicked,  saying,  *  Hitherto 
shalt  thou  come,  but  no  further  ;  here  shall  thy  proud 
waves  be  staid,'  (Job  xxxviii.  11.) 

II.  We  come,  in  the  next  place,  briefly  to  consider 
the  second  remarkable  circumstance  which  happened 
at  the  crucifixion  ;  namely,  the  dividing  of  our  bles- 
sed Saviour's  garments.  The  account  of  this  cir- 
cumstance presupposes,  that  Jesus  was  stripped  of  his 
garments  before  he  was  liftrd  up  on  the  cross  ;  and 
as  his  body  was  lacerated  with  scourging,  it  must 
have  occabioned  a  sensible  pain.  But  neither  the 
pain,  nor  the  ignominy  with  which  this  indignity  was 
attended,  caused  the  Lamb  of  God  to  make  any  re- 
sistance. He  quietly  suffered  his  garments  to  be  taken 
from  him,  that  lie  might  be  a  complete  burnt  offer- 
ing to  the  Divine  justice.  As  he  came  naked  and 
helpless  into  the  world,  it  pleased  him  also  to  go  naked 
out  of  it.  Thus  our  blessed  Lord  patiently  submit- 
ted to  this  last  reproach  of  being  exposed  naked  be- 
fore so  many  thousands;  and  likewise  descended  to 
the  lowest  step  of  poverty,  being  stripped  of  every- 
thing that  belonged  to  him.  It  may  therefore  well 
be  said,  '  that  he  became  poor  for  our  sake,  that  we 
through  his  poverty  might  be  rich,'  (2  Cor.  viii.  9.) 

The  I;*ord  Jesus  having  been  thus  fastened  naked 
to  the  cross  :  his  clothes,  according  to  the  usage  of 
the  Romans,  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  soldiers  who  had 
}>eriormed  the  execution.  And  as  there  were  four 
of  them  concerned  in  crucifying  our  blessed  Saviour, 
they  now  set  about  dividing  his  garments.  These 
were  of  tvvo  kinds,  namely,  a  large  upper  garment 
which  came  down  to  the  feet,  according  to  the  cus- 
tom of  the  Orientals ;  and  under  this,  a  close  vest. 
Hence  the  l.vangelists,  particularly  St.  John,  who  was 
present  on  Mount  Golgothti,  informs  us  how  the  sol- 
diers proceeded  m  dividing  each  of  these  robes. 


GN    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  243 

Of  the  upper  garment  they  made  foiu"  parts,  to 
every  soldier  a  part ;  so  that  this  loose  robe  \vus  cut 
into  four  pieces.  Some  commentatoi's  have  obser\-- 
ed.that  such  garments  were  made  of  four  i^icces  stv.ed 
together,  and  therefore  might  be  \ay  conveniently 
divided  into  four  parts.  As  for  the  close  vest  or  coat, 
as  it  did  not  consist  of  several  pieces  sewed  together, 
but  was  woven  without  any  seam;  they  thougnt  it 
best,  instead  of  cutting  it,  to  cast  lots  whose  it  should 
be.  The  Evangelists  take  notice  of  three  particr,- 
lars  relating  to  this  circumstance. 

1.  They  observe,  that  by  this  division  of  our  Savi- 
our's garments  that  scripture  Avas  fulfilled,  in  wiiich 
David  introduces  the  Messiah,  making  this  com- 
plaint:  'They  parted  my  raiment  among  them,  and 
for  my  vesture  they  did  cast  lots.'  This  prophecy,, 
which  even  the  ancient  Jewish  Church  understood  of 
the  Messiah,  was  now  fulfilled  ;  and  diis  accomplibh- 
ment  of  it  is  here  mentioned  by  St.  John,  in  order  tc 
guard  the  faithful  against  the  offence  of  the  cross.  It 
our  Saviour's  garments    had  been  only  di\ided,  it 

misrht  be  sitid,  that  this  was  no  more  than  D.ivid  mieht 

'-'        .  .  .        .  '-' 

very  easily  have  conjectured  ;  it  being  customary  al- 
most in  every  country,  for  the  clothes  of  executed  cri- 
minals to  fall  to  the  executioner'a  sluirc.  Therefore,  as 
David  probably  knew  by  the  spirit,  that  the  Messiah 
was  to  be  crucified,  he  might  naturally  conclude  that 
he  must  give  up  his  garment  to  the  e:\ecutioncrs. 
And  as  the  punishment  of  crucifixion  was  inflicted  bv 
more  than  one  executioner,  it  miglit  be  supposed  that 
his  garments  would  be  divided  among  them.  But 
how  could  David,  from  mere  conjecture,  foretel  that 
lots  would  be  cast  ibr  the  Messiah's  vesture  ?  Thls 
circumstance  entirely  depended  on  the  free  v.illofthc 
Roman  soldiers  ;  and  yet  the  Holy  Spirit  caused  it  to 
be  predicted  many  hundred  jears  before  ;  tluit,  i)y  the 
accompii'shment  of  it,  we  might  be  assured  that  these 
things  had  not  fallen  out  fortuitously,  and  widioutany. 
design.      No  one  that  lived  in  tlie  inriC,  when  this  pn). 


244)  Christ's  sufferings 

pliecy  \vas  delivered  in  the  Old  Testament,  could  have 
thought  that  it  would  be  fulfilled  literally,  and  in  the 
-very  order  of  the  words  as  delivered  by  the  Psalmist, 
(Psalm  xxii.  18.)     But  who  could  have  less  intentioii 
of  fulfilling  the  Scripture   than  these  soldiers,  who 
did  not  so  much  as  know,  that  any  such  occurrence 
had  been  foretold  by  the  Prophet  ?     This  is  a  miracle 
of  Divine  wisdom,  in  directing  these  circumstances  in 
such  a  manner,  that  men  unknowingly  fulfil  what  he 
has  determined  ;  and  yet  not  by  compulsion,  but  still 
retaining  their  full  freedom.      Therefore  St.  John, 
who  was  an  eye  witness  of  the   whole  transaction, 
breaks  out  into  an  exclamation  of  wonder,  '  These 
things  therefore  the  soldiers  did  !'    The  pious  Luther 
has  a  very  remarkable  passage  on  this  procedure  of 
the  soldiers  :      "  It  is  my  opinion,  says  that  learned 
divine,  that  the  soldiers  did  not  divide  our  Saviour's 
garments  for  the  sake  of  any  profit  or  advantage,  but 
merely  by  way  of  ridicule  «nd  jest ;  as  a  token  that 
all  was  over  with  Jesus,  and  that  he  was  lost,  destroy- 
ed, extinct,  and  utterly  forgotten,   as  the  basest  and 
most  contemptible  of  men.     'J'herefore  they  not  only 
deprived  him  of  life,  but  would  not  let  his  friends  or 
relations  have  even  his  clothes  for  a  memorial  of  him  : 
These  miscreants  neither  expected  that  he  would  rise 
again,  nor  were  afraid  that  his  death  would  be  avenged 
by  his  heavenly  Father." 

2.  St.  Matthew  observes,  that  the  soldiers,  after 
they  had  divided  his  garments,  sat  by  the  cross,  and 
watched  the  Lord  Jesus.  This  was  done  likewise 
according  to  the  Roman  custom  :  for  it  was  usual  to 
set  a  soldier  or  two,  and  sometimes  more,  to  watch 
such  as  were  crucified,  lest  their  relations  should  carry 
them  off  either  living  or  dt.id,  and  decently  inter 
them.  This,  in  some  measure,  was  also  designed  as 
a  reflection  on  the  followers  of  Christ,  who  were 
looked  upon  as  a  set  of  pcojile  that  were  for  opposing 
the  public  execution  of  justice  ;  and  upon  this  unjust 
lupposition,  the  disciples  Mere  afterwards  charged. 


ON     MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  245 

with  having  stolen  away  their  master's  body  out  of  the 
sepulchre.  Now,  whether  they  had  any  thoughts 
that  Jesus,  by  magical  arts,  would  escape  from  the 
cross  ;  or  whether  they  apprehended  that  he  would  be 
rescued  by  the  populace  ;  both  these  suspicions  were 
extremely  injurious  to  our  blessed  Saviour.  Some 
iire  likewise  of  opinion,  that  a  stronger  guard  thiui 
usual  was  appointed  to  watch  our  Saviour  on  the 
cross,  at  the  solicitation  of  the  chief  priests  ;  yet,  by 
the  Divine  superintendency,  tiiis  precaution  served 
only  to  confirm,  before  all  the  people,  iirst  the  reality 
of  his  death,  and  afterwards  of  his  resurrection. 

3.  St.  Mark  observes,  that  this  division  of  Christ's 
garments,  was  made  about  the  third  hour,  i.  e.  in  the 
third  temple  hour  or  great  division  of  tiie  day,  \^  hich 
begun  at  noon,  and  ended  at  three  in  the  afternoon  : 
For  the  Jews  divided  both  night  as  well  as  day  into 
four  quarters,  each  of  which  contained  three  commcn 
hours.     If  in  this  circumstance  of  our  Saviour's  pas- 
sion, namely,  the  dividing  of  his  garments,  we  con- 
sider the  behaviour  of  the  Roman  soldiers,  it  must  be 
owned,  that  they  may  put  many  Christians  to  the 
blush,  who,  in  the  division  of  inheritances,  often  break 
out  into  violent  quarrels,  and  irreconcilable  enmities, 
and  engage  in  chargeable  law- suits.     This  division, 
on  the  contrary,  was  carried  on  without  the  least  dis- 
pute or  wrangling ;  and  such  was  the  prudence  and 
moderation  of  the   parties,   that  they   consented  the 
whole  coat  should  fall  by  lot  to  one  of  them,  rather 
than  be  spoiled  by  cutting  it  asunder.     Will  not  these 
Pagan  soldiers  rise  in  judgment  at  the  last  day,  to  the 
condemnation  of  those  malignant  Christians,  who,  ra- 
ther than  gratify  their  neighbour,  will  suffer  a  thine; 
to  be  destroyed,  or  consume  it  among  lawyers,  ratlier 
than  come   to  an  amicable  agreement  with  their  re- 
lations.    These  soldiers  are  likewise  an  emblem  of 
those  who  are  satisfied,  if  they  can  only  get  food  and 
raiment  by  their  external  profession  of  religion.     Had 
these   wretched  men    humbled    themselves   before 


642  Christ's  SUFFERINGS 

Christ,  acknowledged  dieir  sins,  and  desired  to  have 
been  partakers  of  the  forgiveness  which  he  suppli- 
cated for  them  :  they  might  have  obtained  from  him 
a  place  in  Paradise,  as  one  of  the  malefactors  on  the 
cross  did,  to  his  unspeakable  happiness.  But  they, 
when  they  had  got  our  Saviour's  raiments,  cared  for 
nothing  further.  I'hey  leave  the  blessed  Jesus  to 
bleed  and  die  on  the  cross,  while  they  are  busied 
about  dividing  his  garments.  Herein  they  represent 
those  earthly  minded  nominal  Christians,  who,  if  they 
can  but  draw  a  good  income  from  the  world,  little 
concern  themselves  about  knowing  Christ,  and  the 
power  of  his  resurrection. 

But  let  us  now  direct  our  eyes  to  the  Lord  Jesus, 
imder  these  sufferings  ;  for  he  has  both  atoned  for 
several  sins,  and  acquired  grace  for  us  by  his  beha- 
viour on  this  occasion :  He  has  both  sanctified  such 
sufferings  of  his  faithful  servants,  and  left  them  a  pat- 
tern for  their  imitation. 

He  has  first  expiated  the  loss  of  the  Divine  image, 
and  that  glorious  innocence,  bestowed  on  our  first 
parents.  Man  was  then  pure  from  all  inordinate  de- 
sires and  evil  propensities,  so  that  he  was  not  ashamed 
of  his  natural  nakedness ;  for  he  knew  no  sin,  and 
consequently  experienced  no  shame.  This  invaluable 
jewel  ^ve  lost  in  Adam  ;  at  his  fall,  we,  as  it  were, 
immediately  fell  among  thieves  ;  who  stripped  us 
naked,  deprived  our  souls  of  this  precious  ornament, 
and  placed  us  in  such  a  condition  that  we  may  well 
be  ashamed  of  our  nakedness. 

But  secondly,  he  has  likewise  hereby  obtained  for 
us  a  garment  to  cover  the  nakedness  of  our  souls  ; 
which  was  prefigured  by  the  coats  of  skins,  which 
God  made  for  our  first  parents,  afrer  their  eyes  be- 
came opened,  so  as  to  j)erceivL-  tiiat  they  were  naked, 
(Gen.  iii.  21.)  Jesus  Ciirist  himself  is,  in  Scripture, 
represented  as  a  garment,  which  we  are  to  put  on ; 
*  Put  ye  on  the  Lord  Jesus,  (Rom.  xiii.  14.)  As 
many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  in  Christ  have  put 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA*  247 

un  Christ,'  (Gal,  iii.  27.)  But  on  what  account  the 
sacred  person  of  Jesus  Christ  is  considered  under  the 
emblem  of  a  garment,  we  are  informed  by  several 
other  passages  in  Scripture  ;  for  it  speaks  of  a  '  Gar- 
ment of  salvation,  and  a  robe  of  righteousness,'  (Isaiah 
Ixi.  10,  &c.)  But  the  righteousness  of  Christ  is 
nothing  but  his  perfect  obedience,  by  which  he  has 
fulfilled  whatever  the  sinner  was  to  have  done,  to  ac- 
quire a  right  to  eternal  life  ;  and  suftered  all  that  the 
siimer  was  to  have  suffered,  by  making  atonement  to 
the  Divine  justice  for  the  offences  committed  against 
it.  Now,  as  this  righteousness  is  imputed  by  God  to 
the  penitent  sinner,  and  accepted  by  him  through 
faith  ;  so  it  may  very  properly  be  compared  to  a  gar- 
ment, since  it  is  of  the  same  use  to  the  soul,  as  a  gar- 
ment is  to  the  body.  For  as  a  garment  covers  the 
nakedness  of  the  body,  preserves  it  from  heat  and 
cold,  and  both  cherishes  and  adorns  it.  So  likewise 
the  righteousness  ot  Jesus  Christ  covers  the  shameful 
nakedness  of  the  soul,  (Psalm  xxxii.  1.  Rev.  iii.  18.) 
It  protects  the  soul  against  the  heat  of  Divine  wrath, 
and  the  howlings  and  gnashings  of  teeth  of  the  damn- 
ed ;  it  warms  and  kindles  in  believers  an  ardent  love 
and  gratitude  towards  God,  who,  for  their  sake,  has 
not  spared  his  only  begotten  Son.  Lastly,  it  is  such 
a  glorious  ornament  to  the  soul,  that,  in  this  dress,  it 
need  not  be  ashamed  to  make  its  aj^pearance  before 
the  throne  of  God,  and  to  have  fellowship  vvith  the 
citizens  of  the  heavenly  Jerusalem.  But  as  the  hu- 
man body  can  receive  no  benefit  from  a  garment 
without  putting  it  on;  so  must  the  righteousness  of 
Jesus  Christ  be  put  on,  before  it  can  cover,  protect, 
warm,  and  adorn  the  soul.  Now  it  is  put  on,  when 
the  soul  through  faith  and  love  becomes  united  with 
Christ  Jesus,  and  by  obeying  his  divine  precepts, 
brings  fordi  the  fruit  of  good  living  ;  so  that  putting 
on  the  Lord  Jesus,  includes  both  our  justification 
ind  sanctification. 


2'18  CHRIST'S   SUir£HING3 

In  justification,  the  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ  is 
imputed  to  us  at  the  Divine  tribunal,  and  received  by 
us  through  faith  ;  so  that  God  no  longer  looks  on  us 
as  we  are  in  ourselves,  in  our  corrupt  sinful  nature, 
but  as  we  are  in  Jesus  Christ,  the  hon  ofhislove,  in 
whom  his  soul  is  well  pleased.  In  sanctification,  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  also  works  in  us  an  active  righteous- 
ness, ^vhereby  that  faith,  by  which  we  put  on  Christ 
as  our  garment,  now  produces  in  the  soul  all  the  fruits 
of  the  Spirit,  and  good  works ;  and  this  is  called  in 
Scripture,  '  putting  on  the  new  man,  (Eph.  iv.  24.) 
putting  on  bowels  of  mercy,  kindness,  humbleness  of 
mind,  meekness,  long  suffering,'  (Col.  iii.  12.)  Thus 
Christ  obtained  for  us  a  splendid  robe  of  salvation ; 
so  tkit  by  putting  on  the  garment  of  our  first-born 
Brother,  we  happily  inherit  the  blessing.  This  gar- 
ment is  of  the  same  nature  with  the  coat  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  ;  because  it  is  not  to  be  divided,  but  must  be 
put  on  entire.  Christ  is  not  only  made  our  righte- 
ousness, but  likewise  our  sanctification,  (Cor.  i.  30.) 
and  therefore  they,  who  are  for  having  only  his  righte- 
ousness as  a  covering  for  sin,  but  deny  his  sanctifying 
power,  and  do  not  seek  after  holiness,  as  it  were  rend 
Christ's  coat,  and  are  worse  than  these  Pagan  sol- 
diers. 

Thirdly,  our  blessed  Saviour  has  acquired  for  us 
a  robe  of  glory  ;  for,  ^hen  the  use  of  food  and  rai- 
ment shall  be  superceded,  our  glorified  bodies  shall 
be  adorned  with  a  heavenly  effulgence.  To  this  St. 
Paul  alludes  in  these  words  :  *  We  have  a  desire  to 
be  clothed  upon  with  our  house,  which  is  from  hea- 
ven,' (2  Cor.  V.  2.) 

Moreover,  our  dear  Mediator,  by  these  ignomini- 
ous circumstances,  has  sanctified  the  similar  suffer- 
ings of  his  children,  and  sv/eetened  them  with  super- 
aliundant  consokitions. 

] .  He'  has  sanctified  their  bodily  nakedness  ;  espe- 
cially in  times  of  persecution,  when  they  are  deprived 
of  all  titeir  goods,  and  are  obliged  to  go  about  almost 


f)N  MOUNT  GOLGOTHA.^  249 

waked,  and  destitute  of  every  thing,  (Heb.  xi.  37. 
1  Cor.  iv.  11.) 

2.  He  has  sanctified  the  sufferings  of  Christians, 
when  they  are  stripped  by  the  executioner,  stretched 
out  on  the  rack,  given  up  to  the  brutaUty  of  insolent 
wretches  ;  or  when  painful  or  inhuman  outrages  are 
committed  on  their  dead  bodies. 

3.  He  has  sanctified  to  his  servants  the  spoiling  of 
their  goods  for  his  sake,  when  they  must  see  what  of 
right  belongs  to  them  or  their  relations  withheld  from, 
them,  or  taken  away,  by  the  unjust  violence  of  stran- 
gers. 

4.  He  has  sanctified  the  state  of  our  spiritual  na- 
kedness, when  the  soul  is  stripped  of  what  it  account- 
ed its  dearest  property,  its  covering,  ornament,  and 
glory ;  when  it  lies  in  extreme  indigence,  without 
comfort,  strength,  tranquilit}',  or  joy  ;  and  when  all 
it  has  to  support  itself  is  a  word  of  the  Divine  pro- 
mise. 

Lastly,  The  Son  of  God,  by  this  part  of  liis  sufter- 
ings,  has  left  us  an  example,  which  we  are  to  tbllow. 

1.  He  instructs  us  how  ready  we  ought  to  be,  to 
suffer  ourselves,  when  God  requires  it,  to  be  stripped 
of  all  temporal  things. 

2.  He  teaches  us  that  we  should  likewise  give  our 
cloak  or  upper  garment  to  those  who  would  take  our 
coat,  rather  than  sin  by  revenging  ourselves  ;  and 
that  we  should  rather  suffer  injustice  than  do  an  in- 
jury. 

3.  He  enjoins  us  to  part  with  some  of  our  sub- 
stance in  covering  others,  and  particularly  in  clothing 
his  persecuted  servants. 

THE    PRAYEll. 

O  FAITHFUL  Saviour!  we  thank  thee  for  all  those 
salutarv  truths,  which  we  have  now  learned  from 
two  particular  circumstances  attending  thy  passion- 
Praised  be  thy  name,  who  by  the  title  on  thy  ci'oss 
hast  given  us  to  understand  that,  even  in  thy  death, 

VOL   .II.  T  i 


250  CUlilST's    SUIFERINrcS 

ihoLi  diclsl  still  remain  our  Jcbus,  our  Saviour,  and 
our  King.  Make  us  partakers  ct"  those  blessings 
\vliich  thou  hast  procured  for  us  by  thy  sufferings, 
May  we  be  truly  sensible  of  the  shame  of  our  spiniual 
nakedness.  Grunt  that  we  may  know  the  insiifficiency 
of  our  own  righicousiiess,  and  desire  to  be  clothed  by 
th}  righteousiJei^s  here  ;  no  that,  after  laying  aside  the 
garment  of  our  flesh,  we  may  be  arrayed  in  the  ettul- 
gent  robe  of  heavenly  glory  hereafter.     Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  VI. 

THE   Ml-NTAL    SUPFi-KINGS   OF    JESUS    CHRIST    ON 
THh    CROSS. 

'  AND  the  people  stood  beholding  ;  and  they  that 
passed  by  reviled  him,  wagging  their  heads,  and  say- 
ing, Ah,  tfiuu  that  destro}est  the  temple,  and  buildest 
it  in  three  da}s,  save  th}  self  ;  if  thou  be  the  S^>n. 
of  God,  come  down  irom  the  cross.  Likewise  also 
the  chief  I'riests,  mockiiig  him  v.ith  the  Scribes  and 
Elders,  said,  He  saved  others,  himself  he  cannot  save. 
If  he  be  the  Chnst,  ihe  King  of  Israel,  the  chosen  of 
God,  let  him  save  himself,  and  now  come  down  from 
the  cross,  that  we  m^y  see  it,  and  we  will  believe  him. 
He  trusted  in  Cod;  let  him  deliver  him  now,  if  he 
Mill  have  him  ;  for  he  said,  I  am  the  Son  of  God. 
And  the  soiuiers  also  mocked  him,  coming  to  him. 
and  offenng  him  vinegar  ;  and  saying,  If  thou  be  the 
King  of  the  Jews,  save  thyself.  The  thieves  also, 
who  were  cracilied  with  him,  cast  the  same  in  his 
teeth.  And  one  of  the  malelaetors,  who  were  hanged, 
railed  on  him,  saying.  If  thou  be  Christ,  save  thyself 
and  us,'  (^iatt.  xxvii.  39 — 44.  Mark  xv.  29—32. 
Luke  xxxiii.  3:>,  36.  >i7,  21'.) 

This  part  of  tiie  history  of  the  passion  exhibits  to 
us  the  mentul  suffering:  s  of  our  blessed  Lord.  Such 
outraeeous  iudigiutieb,  .^.s  ^vcre  offered  Christ  on  the 


ON'   MOUNT     GOLGOTHA,  251 

cross,  may  not  improperly  be  Cc>llecl  the  crucluxioii 
of  Ills  soul.  For,  if  the  nriils  that  were  driven  through 
his  hands  and  feet  put  him  to  the  most  sensible  pain  ; 
the  mockeries,  insuhs,  and  invecti'.es,  which  pene- 
trated into  his  heart,  and  were  leAelied  at  liim  like 
poi  -.oiious  and  fiery  dnrts,  must  have  occ-isior.ed  the 
greater  torture  to  his  unspotted  soui.  D  vid  com- 
plains, that  *  as  with  a  sword  in  his  bones,  his  ene- 
mies reproach  him,  while  thf.y  daily  say  unto  him. 
Where  is  now  thy  God '?'  It  is  beyond  t!ie  com.nre- 
hci;sion  of  all  human  understanding  what  the  Son  of 
Div,  id  felt  in  his  soul,  when  he  was,  as  it  were,  ser  up 
as  a  butt  for  reproaches,  and  ^hen  so  many  ton,o;ues, 
set  on  fire  of  hell,  discharcrvd  their  mockeries  asra  Inst 
him  ;  which  David  compares  to  sharp  arrows  of  the 
mighty,  (Psalm  cxx.  4.)  if  St.  Paul  says  of  apos- 
tates, that  they  crucify  to  themselves  the  Son  of  God 
afresh,  and  put  him  to  an  open  shame,  (Hcb.  vi.  G.) 
he  may  very  justly  be  said  to  have  been  as  it  were 
crucified  by  those  horrid  blasphemies,  revilings,  and 
mockeries,  which  he  heard  on  the  cross. 

In  the  preceding  sufferings  of  Ciirist,  all  sorts  of 
men  had  exercised  their  tongues  in  the  most  \  irulent 
manner,  and  yielded  them  up  as  tools  to  satan,  in  or- 
der to  give  the  most  sensible  wounds  to  the  Son  of 
God.  The  tongue  of  Judas  had  betrayed  him.  i.nd 
pointed  him  out  to  his  enemies  by  that  hypccritical 
salutation.  Hail  Master  !  Peter's  tongue  had  denied 
him  with  curses  and  imprecations.  The  tongues  of 
the  false  witnesses  h.ad  slandered  him.  I'he  tor.gues 
of  the  High  Priest  Caiaphas,  and  of  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Sanhedrim,  had  condemned  him  as  a  blas- 
phemer; had  falsely  accused  him  before  Pilate  and 
Herod,  and  charged  iiim  v/ith  many  enormous  crimes. 
The  tongues  of  tb.e  oiiicers  of  the  Council  had  ridi- 
culed his  prophetical  ofiice,  and  tb.e  tongues  of  the 
jRosnan  soldiers  his  regal  dignitv.  The  tongtie  of 
Herod  had  intuited  liim  by  several  impertinent  and 
insolent  questions.     The  tongue  of  Piiate  had  pro- 


-252  chhist's  sufferings 

nounced  sentence  on  him,  and  ordered  him  to  be 
scourged  and  put  to  death.  The  tongues  of  the  whole 
Jewish  people  had  cried,  Crucify  him  !  Crucify  him  ! 
And  noWj  when  he  was  actually  fastened  on  the  cross, 
and  the  hands  of  his  enemies  were  in  a  manner  tired, 
their  envenomed  tongues  were  the  more  virulent  in 
venting  all  manner  of  reproach  and  contumely  against 
him.  These,  the  spirit  of  darkness  and  lies  filled 
with  the  Acnom  of  the  infernal  dragon  ;  and  by  these 
he  endeavoured  to  make  his  last  attempt  on  the  soul 
of  our  blessed  Lord,  who  at  present  was  to  feel  the 
wrath  of  God  in  the  highest  degree.  We  shall  there- 
fore make  some  remarks  on  these  mockeries,  by  which 
the  soul  of  our  holy  Redeemer  was  assaulted  ;  and 
draw  some  inferences  from  them  for  our  edification. 
For  this  end,  we  shall, 

First,  Take  notice  of  the  authors  of  these  taunting 
reflections  against  the  blessed  Jesus. 

Secondly,  The  instruments  with  which  they  re- 
viled and  insulted  him. 

I.  As  to  the  persons  who  reviled  our  blessed  Sa- 
viour on  the  cross,  four  sorts  of  men  were  particularly 
concerned  in  the  guilt ;  and  these  were, 

1.  The  people. 

2.  The  rulers  of  the  Jews. 

3.  The  Roman  soldiers. 

4.  I'he  malefactors  who  were  crucified  with  him. 
1.  The  Jewish  people,  or  the  multitude  who  stood 

about  the  cross  of  Christ,  were  guilty  of  this  enor- 
mous sin.  We  have  observed  before,  that  our  bless- 
ed Saviour  was  followed  to  the  place  of  crucifixion  by 
a  great  multitude  of  people  ;  that  they  might  entertain 
their  eyes  with  this  bloody  spectacle.  Hence  it  is 
probable,  that  not  only  Mount  Golgotha,  but  all  the 
adjacent  eminences  Vvcre  covered  with  bj)Cctators  ;  es-r 
pecially  as  Jerusalem  was  then  filled  with  an  innume- 
rable concourse  of  idle  and  curious  people,  on  ac- 
count of  the  Passover.  [Josephus,  in  his  history 
vof  the  Jewish  war,  says  that  at  one  passover  three 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  253 

millions  of  souls  were  assembled  at  Jerusalem.  Book 
II.  Chap.  III.]  Then  was  seen  in  the  great  Ami- 
type,  the  accomplishment  of  what  was  typically  done 
on  the  annual  feast  of  atonement ;  for  the  whole  con- 
greg^ation  of  the  children  of  Israel  stood  round  the 
Hie-h  Priest,  when  he  offered  the  sacrifice  for  the  sins 
of  the  people.  Thus  the  High  Priest  over  the  house 
of  God,  at  the  time  when  he  offered  himself  on  the 
cross  to  his  heavenly  Father,  was  surrounded  bv  a 
vast  multitude  of  people  ;  who,  according  to  the  Di- 
vine decree,  were  to  be  witnesses  of  this  general  sa- 
crifice. Some  of  the  people  stood  at  a  distance,  and 
looked  on ;  the  curiosity  of  others  led  them  to  ap- 
proach nearer  to  the  cross,  that  they  might  have  a 
more  distinct  view  of  Jesus  ;  and  these  were  the  per- 
sons Vv  ho  reviled  him.  For  as  it  was  customary,  in 
stoning  an  Israelite,  for  every  one  present  to  throw  a 
stone  at  the  malefactor  ;  so  here,  likewise,  none  of  the 
spectators  of  Christ's  crucifixion,  who  stood  near, 
omitted  to  throw  a  stone  of  invective  against  him. 

2.  The  next  who  were  ir.volved  in  this  guilt  were 
the  rulers  of  the  people  ;  or,  as  they  are  specified  by 
St.  Matthew,  the  chief  Priests,  the  Scribes,  and  the 
Elders,  (Chap,  xxvii.  41)  In  some  Greek  copies, 
the  Pharisees  are  likewise  mentioned,  who,  we  may 
be  sure,  were  not  far  off.  Thus  the  civil  and  ecclesi- 
astical chiefs  of  the  Jewish  nation  were  here  present. 
These  persons,  on  account  of  the  approaching  pass- 
over,  had,  according  to  the  Mosaic  law,  aff.ars  of  a 
very  different  nature  to  attend.  Besides,  this  pollut- 
ed place  of  execution  ill  suited  those  pretended  scru- 
pulous consciences,  which,  but  six  hours  before, 
would  not  permit  these  hypocrites  to  set  a  foot  within 
a  Pagan  court  of  justic,  lest  they  should  be  defiled. 
But  an  inhuman  rancour  against  Jesus  had  brought 
them  hither,  along  with  the  rabble.  Nay,  they  were 
not  only  the  nearest  spectators  at  the  time  of  the  cru- 
cifixion, but  remained  at  the  cross  for  some  time  af- 
ter ;  which  they  did  partly,  that,  by  their  presence  they 


254  Christ's   sufferings 

might  prevent  any  of  the  people  from  coming  to  suc- 
cour Jesus,  and  take  him  from  the  cross  ;  i.i  cl  partly, 
that  they  might  feast  their  savage  eyes  with  this  bioody 
Scicrifice,  and  increase  his  su  fit  rings  with  all  kind  of 
insults  and  bkisphemies,  after  the  soldiers  had  nailed 
his  body  to  the  cross.  But  God,  without  having  any 
shtire  in  these  wicked  and  detestable  views,  by  his 
secret  providence  detained  them  there ;  that  they 
might  be  witnesses  of  the  sufferings  of  Christ  on 
Mount  Golgotha,  and  of  the  uncommon  patience, 
mildness,  and  piety  which  he  displayed,  to  the  disgrace 
of  his  enemies,  who  had  condemned  him  as  a  blasphe- 
mer. Moreover,  the  Klders  of  the  people,  by  stand- 
ing about  ihe  cross,  may  put  us  in  mind  of  the  type 
of  Christ,  exhibited  by  the  rock  which  was  struck  in 
the  presence  ofall  the  Elders  of  Israel,  (Exod.  xvii.  6.) 
and  of  the  builders,  who  M^ould  reject  the  head-stone 
of  the  corner,  (Psalm  cxviii.  32.) 

3.  The  Roman  soldiers  likewise  shared  in  his 
guilt;  ior  St.  Luke  (Luke  xxiii.  36.)  observes,  that 
the  soldiers  also  mocked  him.  In  the  judgment-hall 
of  Pilate,  they  had  already  committed  several  outra- 
ges against  him,  and  vexed  our  Saviour's  righteous 
soul  by  all  mani^er  of  prophane  and  contumelious  re- 
flt-ctions.  However,  they  were  so  far  from  having 
exiuusted  their  stock  of  cruel  mockeries,  that  thev 
Still  make  the  crucified  Jesus  the  object  ot  their  far- 
ther ridicule.  We  do  not  indeed  find,  that  they  were 
the  first  in  therevilings  at  the  place  of  crucifixion.  It 
was  the  Jews  and  their  rulers  who  led  the  way,  and 
thus  by  their  wicked  example,  the  Gentiles  were  in- 
cited to  repeat  their  opprcbnous  language  and  insults. 

4.  Lastly,  The  malefactors  who  were  crucilied 
with  him  were  also  guilty  of  this  sin.  For  St.  ?viat- 
thew  says,  '  The  thieves  also,  who  were  crucified 
with  him,  cast  the  same  in  his  teeth;'  from  which 
words  one  would  be  apt  to  conclude,  that  both  male- 
factors, who  were  on  his  right  Iianel  and  on  his  left, 
concurred  in  reviling  our  blessed  Saviour.     But  St. 


ON    MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.  255 

Luke  expressly  says,  t!iat  one  of  the  malefactors  railed 
on  hini,  but  thai  he  was  rebuked  by  the  other. 
Hence  it  is  not  improbable,  that  the  other  also  reviled 
him  at  first  ;  but  soon  after  entertained  better  thoughts 
of  Jesus,  rtprovcd  his  companion,  and  immediately 
beciime  a  conver  to  our  blessed  Lord.  This  seem- 
ing inconsistence  may  also  be  solved  in  the  following- 
manner.  The  Kvangeiist,  intending  to  relate  the  hor- 
rid mockeries,  which  the  Lord  of  Glorv  suffered  from 
all  TcMiks  of  people  while  he  hung  on  the  cross,  first 
mentions  the  rtvilings  of  the  people.  They  observe, 
in  'he  next  place,  how  the  Hulers  and  Elders  reviled 
him,  and  how  the  spirit  of  mockery  was  by  their 
means  also  stirred  up  in  the  Roman  soldiers.  Lastlj', 
they  add,  that  he  was  also  reviied  and  insulted  even  by 
the  robbers  and  murderers,  uho  were  crucified  with 
him.  Thus,  it  is  usual  to  speak  Sromerim.es,  as  if  a 
thing  was  done  by  many,  when  perhaps  the  fact  was 
done  only  by  one  person  of  a  certain  rank  or  age. 
For  instance  ;  if  a  harmless  old  man  happens  to  be 
abused  in  the  public  streets  by  a  petulant  boy,  it  is 
not  improper  to  sc;y,  this  poor  man  in  his  old  age  is 
the  sport  of  children  ;  though  only  one  single  boy  had 
insulted  him.  Thus  also  Si.  Mcitthew  and  St.  Mark 
might  very  well  say,  that  Jesus  was  reviled  even  by 
murderers  and  robbers  ;  thouarh,  accordins:  to  St. 
Luke's  account,  only  one  of  the  malefactors  behaved 
in  such  a  wickc  d  manner.  From  this  circumstance 
of  our  Saviour's  passion,  we  shall  deduce  the  follow- 
ing truths. 

First,  Jesus  Christ  has  suffered  himself  to  be  mock- 
ed and  abused  by  all  ranks  of  men,  that  he  might  de- 
liver all  from  the  spirit  of  mockery  and  abuse. 

It  is  a  terrible  consideration  to  think,  that  all  sorts 
of  spectators  sharpened  their  tongues,  and  pointed 
thein  V.  ith  bitter  invectives  against  the  ever  glorious 
Son  of  God.  He  was  mocked  b\  Jews  and  Gentiles, 
by  y;;nng  and  oici,  by  the  learned  and  ignorant,  by 
teachers  and  hearers,  by  the  clergy  and  magistrates. 


256  Christ's  SUFFERIXGS 

by  private  men  and  soldiers.  Thus  all  the  waves 
and  floods  of  abuse  Vvent  over  the  soul  of  our  blessed 
Lord  with  combined  violence.  But  it  may  here  be 
asked,  what  could  move  the  Divine  wisdom  to  permit 
so  many  scoffers  to  assault  our  blessed  Saviour  with 
their  envenomed  tongues  ?     It  was, 

1.  To  shew  in  this  mirror  that  corrupt  inclination 
of  making  a  mock  of  the  distressed  and  afflicted,  and 
of  ridiculing  die  most  sacred  persons  and  things, 
which  has  by  the  tall  generally  infected  the  human 
heart,  and  prevails  in  every  rank,  age,  and  sex.  What 
JSt.  Paul  says  of  carnal  men,  namely,  that  '  the  poison 
of  asps  is  under  their  lips,'  (Rom.  iii.  13.)  displays 
itself  particularly  in  the  abominable  mockeries  and 
in^■cclives,  which  were  poured  forth  by  the  engines 
of  satan  against  our  blessed  Lord.     But, 

2.  The  Son  of  God  intended,  by  patiently  sub- 
mitting to  these  keen  arrows  of  reproach  and  mock- 
cry,  to  procure  forgiveness  of  t.uch  grievous  sins  to 
those  who  commit  them  whether  they  be  Jews  or 
Gentiles  ;  so  that  every  one  who  is  guilty,  and  peni- 
tently acknowledges  these  heinous  sins,  heartily  be- 
wailing, and  sincerely  abhorring  them,  may  find  re- 
mission of  them  bv  the  merits  and  intercession  of 
Christ. 

3.  He  has  hereby  delivered  from  the  bonds  and 
fetters  of  the  spirit  of  mockery,  all  those,  who  are  but 
willing  to  be  released,  and  apply  to  him  for  succour, 
with  a  firm  resolution  of  amendment. 

Secondly,  The  same  sins  may  be  committed  by 
different  persons ;  and  yet  the  guilt  may  be  greater 
in  some  than  in  others. 

Here  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  reviled  and  mocked 
our  blessed  Saviour  ;  but  it  is  certain,  that  the  Jews 
sinned  much  more  grievously  than  the  Gentiles  ;  since 
they  mocked  that  Jesus,  v.hom  they  might  have 
known  to  be  the  Messiah  and  the  Son  of  God,  from 
the  writings  of  the  prophets.  Besides,  our  blessed 
Lord  hud  hidierto  con^'erscd  with,  and  li"\'Qd  among 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  257 

Chem,  aiid  done  many  surprising  miracles  to  the  souls 
and  bodies  of  their  countrymen.  They  were  likcnvise 
obliged,  as  the  pecuHar  people  of  God,  to  set  abetter 
example  to  the  uncircumcised  Gentiles.  Nay,  we 
find  that  the  chief  Priests  also  mocked  him,  together 
with  the  people ;  but  it  is  evident  that  the  former 
were  guilty  of  a  greater  crime  than  the  latter.  For 
Christ  had  before  reproved  them,  (Luke  xvi.  14,  !  5.) 
for  their  wicked  derisions.  Besides,  they  pretend -d 
to  have  the  key  of  knowledge,  and,  from  the  propheti- 
cal Avritings,  consequently  ought  to  have  been  better 
informed  concerning  the  Messiah's  state  of  humilia- 
tion. On  the  contrary,  they  should  have  reproved 
the  scoffing  multitude,  and  withheld  them  from  in- 
creasing the  sorrows  of  the  afflicted  ;  instead  of  begin- 
ning the  raihngand  mockery,  and  inciting  the  people  to 
scoif  and  inveigh  against  Christ  by  tluir  ill  example. 
Thirdly,  Punioiiment  in  itself  makes  no  criminal 
better  without  the  concurrence  of  Di^■ine  grace. 

An  instance  of  this  is  here  seen  in  one  of  the  rob- 
■bers,  who,  notwithstanding  all  his  pains,  joined  widi 
those  who  mocked  the  blessed  Jesus;  and  as  his  hands 
were  bound,  so  thut  he  could  not  lay  hold  on  the  sa- 
cred person  of  Christ,  he  made  his  tongue,  as  it  were, 
tiie  bow  to  discharc^e  the  envenomed  arrows  of  abuse 
and  mockery  ag..inst  him.  Could  the  punishment 
inflicted  by  the  luw  produce  amendment,  this  male- 
factor would  have  been  converted  as  well  as  the  other. 
But  a  contrary  effect  not  only  happened  in  the  instance 
before  us,  but  may  be  observed  every  day.  i\  either 
the  sword,  the  gallows,  nor  the  wheel,  have  the  power 
of  converting  a  criminal,  unless  grace  interposes  to 
change  and  molif}-  the  heart.  Nay,  it  is  olten  setii 
that  profligate  sinners  are  rather  hardened  tiian  re- 
formed, not  only  by  temporal  punishments,  but  c\  en 
by  Divine  chastisements.  Such  is  the  corruption  of 
human  nature  !  so  deeply  rooted  in  m.  n  is  the  iove 
of,  and  propensity  to  sin  !  O  that  there  may  be  none 
who  read  these  pages,  to  whom  this  complaint  of  tlu 

VOL.   II.  K  k 


258  CHRIS  r's    SUflERINGS 

prophet  may  be  applied  :  '  Thou  hast  stricken  them, 
but  they  liave  not  grieved  ;  thou  hast  consumed  them, 
but  they  have  refused  to  receive  correction  ;  they 
have  made  their  faces  harder  than  a  rock,  they  have 
refused  to  return/  (Jer.  v.  3.) 

11.  We  come,  in  the  next  place,  to  consider  the  in- 
struments which  occasioned  our  blessed  Lord's  men- 
tal sufferings  on  the  cross.     These  were, 

1.  Bold  and  insulting  looks. 

2.  Deriding  gestures. 

3.  Abusi\e  words. 

1.  Bold  and  audacious  looks  darted  from  the  eyes 
of  the  people  ;  for  St.  Luke  says,   '  the  people  stood 
beholding,   and  the    rulers  also  with  them  derided 
him,  he.''     Probably   this  melancholy  spectacle  was 
an  entertainment  to  many  of  them  ;  and  their  insolent 
eyes,  which  ought  to  have  wept   blood  on  account  of 
the  pain  and  tortures  which  the  Lord  of  Glory  endur- 
ed, sparkled  with  a  malignant  joy  at  his  bitter  pains. 
,It  is  usual  for  the  people  generally  to  express  a  con- 
cern for  malefactors  under   sentence   of  death,  since 
they  partake  ihe  same  nature.     And  this  sympathetic 
concern  and  pity  is  the  greater,  when  they  see  a  man 
languishing  in  the  extreme    tortures  of  a  lingering- 
death.     But  there  was  not  the  least  traces  of  any  such 
humane  concern  to  be  found  in  the  enemies  of  Christ. 
How  must  his  generous  soul  have  been  affected  with 
the  rudeness,  insolence,  and  cruelty,  which  appeared 
in  the  looks  of  so  many  thousands  of  inhuman  specta- 
tors !  Of  this  the  Messiah  had  long  before  complained 
by  the  mouth  of  D.ivid,  (Psalm   xx.    17.)    in  these 
words:   '  They  stand  staring  and  looking  upon  me  : 
They  opened  their  mouth  wide  against  nij,  and  said, 
'Alia!  Aha!'    (Psalm  xxxv.  21.)    But  these  looks 
^vere  agravated 

2.  By  the  deriding  gestures  of  the  people  who  pas- 
sed by  :  For  St.  Matthew  and  St,  Mark  observe, 
that  they  who  passed  by  reviled  him,  wagging  then- 
heads.'     This  gesture,  among  the  Jews    and  other 


ON     MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  259 

tfastern  nations,  was  expressive  of  the  utmost  con- 
tempt, In  the  second  book  of  Kings  it  is  said,  (Chap, 
xix.  21.)  'The  virgin,  the  daughter  of  Sion,  hath 
despised  thee,  and  laughed  thee  to  scorn  ;  the  daugh- 
ter of  Jerusalem  hath  shaken  the  head  at  thee.'  From 
several  other  passages  of  Scripture,  (See  Job  xvi.  4.) 
it  appears,  that  the  shaking  of  the  head  was  used  as  a 
mark  of  the  greatest  contempt.  But  it  is  rejnarkable, 
that  it  was  foretold  that  the  crucified  IVlessiah  would 
experience  this  kind  of  mockery  :  For  he  is  represent-- 
ed  in  the  Psalms  making  this  complaint :  '  AH  they 
that  see  me  laugh  me  to  scorn ;  they  shoot  out  the 
lip,  and  shake  the  head,'  (Psalm  xxii.  7.)  I  became 
also  a  reproach  unto  them  ;  when  they  looked  upoit 
me,  they  shaked  their  heads,'  (Psalm  cix.  S;5.)  St. 
Luke  says  of  the  rulers  of  the  people,  that  they  also 
derided  him,  (Luke  xxiii.  35.)  which  word  in  the  ori- 
s^inal  properly  signifies,  by  turning  up  the  nose,  to 
express  a  look  of  disdain  and  derision.  The  soldiers 
also,  by  way  of  mockery,  came  unto  him,  and  offered 
him  vinegar  or  sour  wine,  instead  of  a  cordial  to  sup- 
port his  spirits  which  were  now  quite  exhausted. 
Probably  these  were  not  all  the  deriding  gestures 
which  the  Son  of  God  beheld,  but  are  set  down  only 
as  specimens  of  the  malice  and  barbarity  of  his  ene- 
mies. How  must  this  express  Imag€  of  the  Deity 
have  CTieved  to  see  the  odious  disouise  of  Satan  in  the 

o  o 

attitudes,  grimaces,  and  gestures  of  these  his  slaves  I- 
That  it  was  very  painful  to  his  soul  may  be  sufficiently 
inferred  from  the  bitter  complaints,  ascribed  to  the 
the  Messiah  in  the  book  of  Psalms,  on  account  of  this 
scurrilous  wickedness  of  his  enemies.  To  these  in- 
J5ulting  looks  and  deriding  gestures  were  likewise 
idded, 

3.  Abusive  words  and  invectives  ;  some  of  wliich, 
lie  three  Evangelists  St.  Matthew,  St.  T^lark,  and  bt. 
Luke  concludes  his  account  of  the  mockeries  and  in- 
sulting speeches  made  against  Christ  in  Caiaphas's 
lion-:-,,  with  these  words  :    '  And  many   other  tilings 


260  CHKISi's     SUFFERIKG3 

blaspheiiiously  spake  they  against  him,'  (LukexxiL 
65.)  Hence  we  may  conclude  tliat  this  specimen  of 
the  abusive  words,  which  our  blessed  Saviour  was 
obliged  to  hear  on  the  cross,  were  but  i\  part  of  the 
invectives  pourtel  out  against  him.  Now  all  these 
opprobrious  words  are  to  be  looked  on  as  so  msny 
envenomed  arrows,  discharged  against  the  heart  of  the 
blessed  Jesus  by  the  prince  of  ehakness,  by  means  of 
the  tongues  of  these  scofiers.  His  soul,  indeed,  was 
not  in  the  least  pe)lluted  by  them,  but  it  was  extreme- 
ly Avcur.d(el  and  tortured.  In  these  opprobrious 
x\crds,  they, 

First,  Derided  his  truth  and  omnipotence,  saying, 
'  Ah,  thou  that  destroyest  the  temple,  anel  buiidest  it 
in  three  d?.ys;  save  thyself  and  come  down  from  the 
cross  !'  The  preceding  night,  when  Jesus  stood  before 
the  Sanhedrim,  the  Jevvs  had  very  much  abused  these 
Words  of  our  blessed  Lord,  anel  scanelalously  pervert' 
ed  lliem  by  the  tongues  of  their  false  witnesses* 
Here  they  are  again  cast  in  his  teeth  ;  and  it  is  i;ot 
improbable  that  those  very  false  witnesses,  who  hud 
slanderously  perverted  these  innocent  words  of  Jesus, 
here  lAgj'.n  again  to  reproach  him  with  the  same  words 
which  were  immeeiiately  catched  by  others  among  the 
multitude,  who  seconded  those  perjured  scoffers  ia 
their  revilings.  B\  this,  their  intention  was  to  ex- 
pose our  blesseel  Lord  as  a  chimerical  boaster,  and 
one  w  ho  pretended  to  perform  great  things,  when  at 
the  simie  time,  he  was  not  able  to  make  good  his 
might}  pretensions.  Thus  they  impiously  perverted 
his  words,  and  rieliculed  his  omnipotence.  Thus  the 
Eternal  Truth  submitted  to  pass  for  a  liar,  and  the 
pov\  cr  of  the  iVlost  High  a\  as  accounted  a  vain,  im- 
potent n)an. 

Secondly,  They  derided  the  honour  of  the  eternal 
Sonship  of  Jesus  Christ.  '  They  ^ who  passed  by 
said,  if  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  come  elown  from  the 
cross.'  But  in  this  the  chief  Priests  anel  Elders  had 
already  set  them  a  pattern  by  saying,  '  If  he  be  Christ, 


ox   MOUNT   GOLGOTHA,  26X 

the  chosen  of  God,  let  him  come  down  from  the 
cross  ; — ior  he  said,  I  am  the  Son  of  God.'  Thus 
as  our  blessed  Siiviourhcid  twice  confessed  before  the 
Sanhedrim,  th.^r  he  was  tlie  Son  of  God;  so  was  he 
twice  mccked  i-rd  ridiculed  for  it  on  the  cross; 
namely,  by  the  people,  and  by  their  teachers.  Satan 
hud  lcrn\eriy  begun  his  temptation  with  this  article, 
saying,  'It  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  cast  thyself  down,' 
(iVLit.  iv.  6.)  Here  the  instruments  of  satan  say, 
*  li  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  come  down  from  the 
cn.ss.'  From  the  resemblance  betwixt  these  words, 
it  is  manifest,  that  satan  himself  vented  them  here  by 
his  engines,  and  thus  challenged  ihe  Son  of  God,  to 
come  down  from  the  cross,  and  attest  the  truth  of  his 
eternal  Sonship  by  a  miracle.  That  very  action 
would,  on  the  contrary,  have  proved  him  not  to  be  ihe 
obedient  Son  of  the  heavenly  Father.  For  by  com- 
ing down  alive  from  the  cross,  on  which  he  was  to 
die,  he  would  have  disobeyed  his  Father ;  who  re- 
quired from  him  obedience  unto  death,  even  the  death 
of  the  cross. 

Thirdly,  These  miscreants  ridiculed  the  Divine 
miracles  wrought  by  our  blessed  Lord,  by  which  ho 
had  sealed  his  doctrines,  and  relieved  such  multitudes 
of  unhappy  persons.  For  the  rulers  of  the  people, 
b}'  saying,  'He  has  saved  others,  hiniself  he  cannot 
save,'  intended  to  render  the  truth  of  all  his  form.er 
miracles  suspected,  and  to  represent  thcni  as  mere 
Juggle  or  magical  performances.  This  was  the  in- 
ference they  drew,  that  if  his  miracles  proceeded  from 
God,  he  would  be  able  to  help  himself  as  well  as 
others  ;  hut  it  was  plain  he  could  not  help  himself,  and 
therefore  his  miracles  did  not  proceed  from  God.  As 
if  they  had  said  to  the  people  who  doubtless  crowded 
about  these  eminent  persons,  '  see  what  a  pretended 
vv'orker  of  miracles  Jesus  is,  who  was  followed  by 
thousands  :  He  has  helped  others  ;  but  nov/  he  can- 
not help  himself  in  this  extremity.  Does  not  this 
plainly  siiew  that  he  is  a  chrL:t,  who  ai->>otn*"(My  imnos- 


262  onnisT's  sufferings 

ed  on  your  sc  uses  by  sham  miracles  ? '  But  it  is  very" 
remarkable,  that  our  blessed  Lord  in  the  very  first 
year  of  liis  ministry  had  f(;retold,  that  he  should  one 
day  be  thus  insulted:  '  Yc  \vill  surely  say  unto  me 
this  proverb,  Physician,  heal  thyself,'  (Luke  iv.  23.) 
This  prophecy  of  the  Lord  Jesus  was  here  fulfilled 
by  liis  enemies  ;  so  that  the  sting  of  this  offence  is  ta- 
ken away.  Thus  our  blessed  Sa\  iour  did  not  want 
power  lO  help  himself,  and  \  et  did  not  exert  that 
power,  that  he  might  help  us ;  and  consequently  he 
preferred  our  deliverance  to  his  own. 

Fourthly,  Our  blessed  Lord's  confidence  in  his  hea- 
venly Father  was  here  ridiculed.  '  He  trusted  in  God 
say  the  rukrs  of  the  people,  let  him  deliver  him  now, 
if  he  will  have  him',  L  e.  if  God  has  pleasure  in  him, 
and  acknowledges  him  for  his  Son  ;  *  For  he  said,  I 
am  ihe  Son  of  God.'  They  recollected  that  Christ, 
in  his  Divine  discourses,  had  often  expressed  a  sin- 
gular confidence  in  his  heavenly  Father,  and  declared 
that  he  loved  him,  (John  iii.  35.  viii.  16,  29,  50,  54. 
xvi.  52,  Sec.)  that  he  sought  and  promoted  his  ho- 
noiu' :  that  he  did  not  leave  him  alone  ;  that  he  was 
with  him,  and  assisted  him,  &c.  From  such  expres- 
sions theso  malignant  spiders  suck  the  poison  of  ca- 
lumny ;  and  thus  endeavour  to  overset  our  Saviour's 
confidence  in  his  Father,  and  as  it  were  to  cut  away 
the  anchor,  by  which  the  bark  of  his  hope  was  still  se- 
cured, though  quite  covered  with  outrageous  waves, 
tossed  in  the  most  dreadful  tempest.  It  is  further  re- 
markable, thai^  almoatth.e  very  words  used  by  these 
scoffers  are  found  in  the  Psalms,  where  the  Messiah  is 
jepresentcd  complaining,  that  his  enemies  say  of  him, 
"He  trusted  in  tlie  Lord  that  he  would  deliver  him  ; 
let  him.  deliver  him,  if  he  delight  in  him.'  (Psalm  xxii. 
8.)  Thus  they  unkno\\  ir.giy  fulfilled  the  Scripture 
by  this  impious  speech. 

Fifthly,  They  here  ridiculed  the  kingly  digr^lty  of 
Jesus  Christ.  For  the  chief  Priests  and  Elders  said, 
'Let  Christ  the  Kine:  of  Ibracl  descend  now  from  the 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  265 

cross,  that  we  may  see  and  believe.'     The  Roman 
soldiers  followed  their  impious   example,  and  said, 
'If  thou  be  the  king  of  the  Jews,  save  thyself.'     If 
thou  intendest  by  thy  military  prowess  to  deliver  the 
Jews  from  the  dominion  of  the  Romans,  deliver  thy- 
self first,  and  thus  give  a  proof  of  thy  great  power. 
Our  blessed  Saviour  had  acknowledged  himself  to  be 
the  King  of  Israel  before  Pilate  ;  and  upon  this  ac- 
count Pilate,  in  the  title  on  the  cross,  stiled  him, 
Jesus  of  Nazareth,  King  of  the  Jews.     Now 
as  it  was  out   of  the   pouxr  of  the  chief  Priests  to 
erase    the  superscription,   which  was  a  great  offence 
to  them,  and  as  they  could  not  prevail  on  Pilate  to 
alter  it ;  this  put  them  on  ridiculing   ir,    by  saying. 
If  he  be  the  King  of  Israel,  as  he  is  stiled  in  the  su- 
perscription over  his  head,  written  in  tUee  languages, 
let  him  prove  it    by  coming  down  from  the   cross. 
To  this  they  added,  by  way  of  derision,  a  promise 
that  then  they  would  believe  on  him ;  though  at  the 
same  time  nothing  was   farther  from  their  thoughts. 
And,  indeed,  if  Christ,  in  order  to  induce  them   to 
believe  on   him,  had  actuallv  descended  from   the 
cross,  they  would  in  all  probability  have  imputed  this 
miracle  likewise  to  sorcery. 

Sixthly  and   lastly,   Our  blessed  Lord's  ofSce   of 
Messiah  was  ridiculed  by  these  miscreants;  the  ciiief 
Priests   cried  out,    '  Let  him  save  himself,  if  he  be 
the  Christ,  or  Messiah.'     One  of  the  crucified  male- 
factcjrs  took  this  from  their  abusive  mouths,  and  rail- 
e'd  on  him.,  saying  '  If  thou  be  Christ  save  thyself  and 
ns.'  '  As  if  he  had  said,  as  thou  didst  pretend  to  be 
the  Messiah,  help  thyself  and  us  ;   for  if  thou  wilt 
come  down  from  the  cross,  surely  thou  wilt  noi  leave 
us  thy  fellow- sufferers  behind.     Thus  whatever  was 
venerable,  great,  and  glorious  in  the  p':rso(i  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  was  here  the  subject  of  the  most  scurril- 
ous  reflections  of   profane  scoffers.     His  Omnipo- 
tence, his  eternal  Sonship,  his  DivinjU  ,  his  Di vino 
miracles,,  his  confidence  in  his  heavenly   Fcthtr,  hi:) 


264  CiEUlSX's    SUFFERINGS 

regal  dignity,  and  his  office  of  Messiah,  were  all  ex- 
posed to  ridicule  and  mockery.  We  shall  conclude 
this  consideration  by  deducing  the  following  truths 
from  what  has  been  said  on  this  subject. 

1.  The  opprobrious  words,  by  which  the  blessed 
Jesus  was  insulted,  are  to  be  accounted  among  satan's 
severe  temptations. 

When  satan,  at  the  beginning  of  our  Saviour's  mi- 
nistry, hc.d  been  repulsed  by  our  Lord,  it  is  said,  '  he 
departed  from  him  for  a  season,'  (Luke  iv.  13. )  Now, 
at  the  close  of  his  life,  he  returns  to  the  charp-e,  and 
enters  into  these  his  engmes,  as  he  anciently  did  into 
Goliath,  to  prompt  them  to  blaspheme  the  God  of  Is- 
rael.    His  design  was,  by  these  abusive  and  deriding 
words,  to  try  whether  he  could  throw  our  blessed 
Lord's  temper  into  some  disorder,  and  move  him  to 
a  passionate  impatience  ;  or  whether  he  could  excite 
in  him  a  desire  of  giving  a  proof  of  his  omaipotence,  by 
coming  down  from  the    cross  ;  b}-  which  means  the 
whole  counsel  of  God,  concerning  our  salvation,  would 
have  been  frustrated,  and  the  work  of  redemption 
would  have  miscarried.     But  as  the  Son  of  God  re- 
mained faithful  in  the  first  irial,  which  he  underwent 
immediately  after  his  baptism  ;  so  he  shewed  the  same 
firmness  in  this  last  encounter  on -the  cross.     But  the 
great  Captain  of  our  salvation  submitted  to  this  trial, 
that  he  might  triumph  over    satan,    notwithstanding 
his  utmost  efforts  and  severest  outrages ;  that  he  might 
bruise  his  head,  extract  the  venomous  sting  of  his 
temptations  ;  and  obtain  for  us  strength  to  remain  firm 
in  all  trials,  and  to  come  off  more  than  conquerors. 

2.  When  the  faithful  servants  of  God  are  under 
outward  sufferings,  satan  and  hib  engines  are  most 
busy  to  vex  thi:ir  minds  with  opprobrious  words,  and 
insolent  challenges. 

Thus,  nO  sooner  was  the  Son  of  God  nailed  to  the 
cross,  than  his  soul  was  assaulted  by  the  reviiings  of 
his  enemies.  This  is  the  way  satan  and  his  engines 
frequcntlv  proceed  with  Christ's  members.     Whon 


ON   MOUNT   COLGOTllA.  265 

they  are,  as  it  were,  externally  hanging  on  the  cross  ; 
when  all  the  waves  of  affliction  and  persecutions  are 
running  over  them  ;  then  the  tongues  of"  their  perse- 
cutors discharge  their  poisonous  arrows  of  calumny 
at  tliem.  But  great  will  be  the  reward  of  those,  who 
in  this  particular  are  made  like  unto  Christ,  the  first- 
born among  many  brethren.  They  must,  after  his 
great  example,  keep  silence,  and  amidst  all  the  rage 
and  calumny  of  the  world,  possess  their  souls  in  pa- 
tience ;  and  at  last  all  will  ead  in  conquest  and  triumph. 
.  3.  The  abuses  which  the  world  pours  forth  agamst 
Christ  and  his  members,  will  give  less  offence  when 
the  foul  springs  of  them  are  laid  open. 

These  scoffs  and  mockeries  in  some  men  proceed 
from  mere  levity,  as  it  is  here  said  of  some,  that  they 
reviled  Jesus  as  they  passed  by.  Thus  many  hastily 
pass  by  the  cross  of  Christ  and  the  sufferings  of  his 
members,  like  a  rapid  stream,  and  immediately  tur:i 
their  thoughts  from  them.  But  such  transient  looks 
produce  only  a  hasty  judgment,  evil  imagiaations,  and 
blasphemous  motioas ;  from  all  which  he  is  secure, 
who  endeavours  to  possess  his  miud  in  peace  and  tran- 
quility. In  others  such  invectives  are  dictated  by 
envy  and  hatred,  as  Jacob's  sons  envied  Joseph  for  his 
father's  particular  love  to  him,  and  mocked  him  as  a 
dreamer,  (Gen.  xxxvii.  4,  19.  Acts  vii.  9)  Thus 
the  chief  Priests  and  Scribes  were  offended  at  Jesus; 
because  he  said  he  was  the  Son  of  God,  and  frequent- 
ly mentioned  the  singular  love  that  his  heavenly  Fa- 
ther bore  towards  him.  This  envious  disposition 
had  before  prompted  them  to  take  up  stones  to  cast  at 
him  ;  (John  viii.  59.)  and  the  same  malignant  passion 
now  moved  their  tongues  to  eject  these  deriding  sar- 
casms. Others  again  have  so  accustomed  themselves 
to  opprobrious  langu.ige,  that  xt  is  become  a  second 
nature  to  them  :  and  this  might  well  be  said  of  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees,  wJiosc  tongues  Vvcre  so  }jos- 
sessed  by  the  spirit  of  calumny,  that  they  \\tie  quite 
incapal)le  of  passing  any  judgment  upon  Jesus  that 

VOL.    II.  L    1 


266  Christ's  sufferings 

was  consistent  with  truth  or  charity.  Some  rpen  in- 
deed re\ale  out  of  complaisance  to  others,  as  the  people 
and  the  soldiers  did,  in  the  instance  before  us ;  and 
others  are  prompted  to  it  by  despair,  as  one  of  the 
malefactors,  who  tvere  crucifjed  with  our  blessed 
Saviour,  was.  Now  who  will  mind  the  abuses  of  the 
wo.i'ld,  or  take  offence  at  ihem,  since  the  cause  of 
them  is  not  in  the  reviled  servants  of  God,  but  in  the 
revilers  tlsemselves,  and  the  wicked  dispositions  of 
their  minds  ?  For  these  wretched  slaves  of  satan  are 
like  the  \^•aves  of  a  troubled  sea,  foaming  up  their  ovva 
disgrace. 

THE    PRAYER. 

Now  we  thank  thee,  O  dear  Redeemer,  who  hast 
not  only  suffered  thy  body  to  be  crucified,  but  wast 
also  wounded  and  vexed  in  thy  soul,  by  envenomed 
arrows  from  so  many  abusive  tongues,  that  thou  migh- 
test  heal  us  in  body  and  soul.  Let  this  part  of  thy 
sufferings  work  in  us  a  serious  abhorrence  of  all  deri- 
ding u^ords,  looks,  and  jestures ;  and  grant  that  we 
may  patiently  suffer  all  the  waves  of  undeserved  abuses 
to  piiss  over  us  with  united  violence  ;  and  that  in  all 
sufferings  we  may  remain  faithful,  and  willingly  sub- 
mit to  be  reproached  with  thee,  that  we  also  may  be 
made  partakers  of  thy  glory.     Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  VII. 

THE      GIFTS     CONFERRED     BY     THE     LORD     JESUS, 
WHILE   HE   HUNG    ON    THE  CROSS. 

'BUT  the  other  malefactor  answering,  rebuked  him 
[who  railed  on  JesusJ  saying.  Dost  not  thou  fear  God, 
seeing  tliou  art  in  the  same  condemnation  ?  And  we 
indeed  justly  :  for  we  receive  the  due  reward  of  our 
deeds  ;  but  this  man  hath  done  nothing  amiss.  And 
he  said  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  remember  me  when  thou 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  26/ 

comest  into  thy  kingdom.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him, 
Verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  to-day  shait  thou  be  with  mc 
in  Paradise.  Now  there  stood  by  the  cross  of  Jesus, 
his  mother,  and  his  mother's  sister,  Mary  the  wife  of 
Cleophas,  and  Mary  Magdalene.  When  Jesus  there  • 
foresaw  liismother,  and  the  disciple  standing  by  ^^  hom 
he  loved,  he  saith  unto  his  mother,  Woman,  behold 
thy  ^5on  !  then  saith  he  to  the  disciple,  behold  thy  mo- 
ther !  and  fromx  that  hour  this  disciple  took  her  un- 
to his  own  home,'  (Luke  xxiii.  39 — 43.  John  xix. 
25—27.) 

The  blessed  Jesus  was  fastened  to  the  cross  quite 
naked,  and  stripped  of  every  thing  ;  his  very  clothes, 
which  had  till  then  been  his  only  property,  being  ta- 
ken from  him  by  the  soldiers.  Nevcithekss  we  may 
observe,  how  in  this  state  of  extreme  poverty  and 
abasement  he  distributed  such  noble  gifts,  as  none  of 
the  rich  and  powerful  of  this  world  can  bestow.     For, 

First,  On  a  believing  and  penitent  sinner  he  be- 
stows the  happiness  of  Paradise. 

Secondly,  To  his  disconsolate  mother  he  gives  a 
faithful  Son. 

Thirdly,  To  John,  his  beloved  disciple,  he  gives 
a  tender  affectionate  mother. 

I.  The  crucified  Jesus  confers  Paradise  on  a  pe- 
nitent and  believing  sinner.  Here  we  are  to  con- 
sider, 

1.  The  person  who  obtained  this  transcendent  gift. 

2.  The  gift  itself. 

Tht  person  w  ho  obtained  this  favour  is  described 
according  to  his  former  and  present  condition. 

According  to  his  former  course  of  life,  he  was  a 
robber  and  murderer.  Thus  he  had  flagrantly  trans- 
gressed the  sixth  and  eighth  Commandments  of  the 
supreme  Legislator.  It  is  probable  that  he  was  born 
and  educated  in  the  Jewish  Church;  for,  if  he  hod 
been  a  Gentile,  he  would  have  known  nothing  of  the 
kingdom  of  the  Messiah,  or  of  Paradise.  But,  as  the 
Je^vish  Ciuirch  was  then  extremely  coirupted,  and 


268  Christ's  surrERiNGS 

the  land  of  Judea  was  over-run  with  a  set  of  seditious 
banditti,  who  were  for  shaking  off  the  Roman  yoke, 
and  at  the  same  time  gave  themselves  up  to  live  by 
rapine  and  plunder,  so  that  the  roads  were  very  un- 
safe for  tra\ellers  ;  this  man  had  probably  belonged  to 
one  of  these  profligate  gangs.  Whether  he  had  fol- 
lowed this  course  of  life  many  years,  or  whether,  af- 
ter he  had  been  concerned  only  in  one  or  two  enter- 
prizes  of  this  nature,  the  Roman  soldiers  had  taken 
him  piisoner  in  the  fact,  is  uncertain ;  for  there  is 
noihing  further  said  of  his  former  circumstances.  But 
it  is  not  altogether  improbable,  that  before  he  fell  in 
company  with  sucli  a  lawless  crew,  he  might  have 
mixed  with  the  multitudes,  and  have  heard  the  dis- 
courses of  our  blessed  Lord,  and  seen  him  perform 
many  miracles  ;  or  at  least  he  might  have  heard  many 
^vonderful  things  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth  from  others. 
And  though  his  strong  propensity  to  wickedness  had, 
for  the  present,  suppressed  all  the  good  motions  they 
might  have  caused  in  him  ;  yet  afterwards,  amidst  the 
leisure  and  reflections  of  his  confinement  in  prison, 
thev  may  have  ^vorked  on  his  heart.  For  a  grain  of 
the  Divine  Word  frequently  falls  on  a  savage,  uncul- 
tivated soil ;  so  that  it  produces  no  fruit  till  many 
years  aftc  r,  ^vhen  suflferings  and  afflictions  cause  it  to 
spring  up. 

As  to  this  malefactor's  present  state,  while  he  hung 
on  the  cross,  it  was  indeed  outwardly  very  wretched; 
for  he  was  in  great  tortures,  and  dying  the  most  cruel 
ignominious  death  :  but  inwardly,  his  heart  was  un- 
der the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  was  produ- 
cing in  him  repentance  and  faith,  and  made  use  of  his 
tongue  as  the  instrument  to  glorify  the  crucified  Jesus, 
in  tlie  extremiity  of  his  sufferings  and  reproach. 

Of  this  malefactor's  repentance,  indeed,  the  Evan- 
gelists give  no  express  account ;  but  it  is  sufficiently 
apparent  from  his  reproof  to  liis  fellow- suflbrer.  For 
that  shews, 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  269 

First,  An  abhorrence  and  hatred  against  sin  ;  which 
prompted  him  to  check  his  companion  for  his  cruel 
abuse  of  the  crucified  Jesus.  For  by  his  reproof,  he 
signified  that  he  inwardly  detested  sin  ;  since  no  man 
I'would  be  thus  so  zealous  in  rebuking  the  sin  of  ano- 
ther, who  did  not  seriously  hate  and  repent  of  his  own 
sins.  Thus  a  holy  zeal,  and  indignation  against  wick- 
edness, is  numbered  amongst  the  effects  of  Godly  sor- 
row by  the  Apostle.    (2  Cor.  vii.  12.) 

Secondly,  It  shewed  a  devout  fear  of  God  ;  for  he 
says  to  his  companion,  '  Dost  not  xiiou  fear  God?' 
Kow  this  man  would  never  have  upbraided  another 
for  not  fearing  God,  if  his  own  heart  hud  been  void  of 
that  Godly  fear.  Would  not  his  own  conscience  have 
called  out  to  him  much  louder  than  he  did  to  his  com- 
rade, dost  not  thou  thyself  fear  God  ?  had  his  delight 
been  still  in  wickedness,  the  fear  of  God  would  not 
have  been  before  his  eyes,  (Psalm  xxxvi.  1.  Rom.  iii. 
18.)  But  having  now  a  deep  sense  of  the  abomination 
of  sin,  his  mind  was  likewise  deeply  impressed  with  the 
majesty,  holiness,  and  justice  of  God.  As  he  was 
displeased  because  the  other  sinned  in  reviling  Christ, 
so  he  was  highly  displeased  that  he  should  shew  so 
little  fear  and  reverence  for  the  living  God,  the  Judge 
of  all  flesh. 

Thirdly,  His  discourse  to  his  comrade  shews  like- 
wise a  desire  of  reforming  his  neighbour,  and  bring- 
.  ing  him  from  his  error  into  a  better  way.  He  thinks 
it  strange  that  his  abandoned  companion  could  revile 
Jesus,  when  he  himself  was  in  the  same  condemna- 
tion ;  being  both  sentenced  by  the  civil  power,  to 
suffer  the  same  ignominious  death.  He  did  not  won- 
,  der  that  the  spectators  who  stood  beneath  about  the 
cross  should  resile  our  Lord  ;  but  he  thought  it  very 
amazing  and  horrible,  that  a  wretch  who  was  nailed 
to  the  cross,  and  within  a  few  hours  of  giving  up  the 
ghost,  should  think  of  sharpening  his  envenomed 
tongue  against  Jesus.  He  therefore  rebukes  this  har- 
dened railer  ;  and  would  fain  brLng  liim  to  a  better 


'270  Christ's  sufferings 

way  of  thinking,  by  impressing  on  his  mind  the  fear, 
of  God,  and  of  the  rigour  of  his  just  judgment,  which 
was  now  poured  upon  him.  Now  to  endeavour  to 
gain  others,  and  bring  tlietn  into  the  right  way,  is  a 
sign  of  a  penitent  mind  ;  as  appears  from  the  penitent 
Psalmist,  who  says,  '  then  will  1  teach  transgressors 
thy  ways,  and  sinners  shall  be  converted  unto  thee,' 
( Ps.  li.  1 5 . )    In  these  words  of  the  malefactor  app  ears. 

Fourthly,  A  vindication  of  the  Divine  justice:  For 
he  adds,  'and  we  indeed  justly :'  that  we  hang  betwixt 
hea'/en  and  earth  as  a  curse,  and  abomination  is  no 
injustice  done  to  us.  Though  the  sentence  is  hard, 
and  the  death  painful ;  yet  is  it  no  more  than  we  by 
our  crimes  have  deserved.  He  vindicates  not  only 
the  justice  of  the  civil  magistrate,  who  inflicted  this 
punishment ;  but  likewise  the  justice  of  God,  whose 
Minister  and  Avenger  the  Sovereign  is,  to  execute 
wrath  upon  him  that  doth  evil.     (Rom.  xiii.  4.) 

Lastly,  These  words  of  the  malefactor  to  his  com- 
panion contain, 

Fifthly,  An  open  confession  of  the  crimes  he  had 
committed  :  '  for  we  receive  the  due  reward  of  our 
deeds.'  Here  indeed  he  does  not  particularly  specify 
the  several  crimes  he  had  been  guilty  of,  but  speaks 
of  them  in  general  terms,  without  palliating  his  oifen- 
ces,  without  complaining  that  there  is  no  proportion 
betwixt  his  punishment  and  his  crime,  and  without 
throwing  any  blame  on  others  for  seducing  him  ;  how- 
ever owns  himself  a  notorious  criminal,  nleads  guilty, 
and  confesses  that  he  well  deserved  this  punishment, 
which  he  therefore  bears  with  patience  and  resigna- 
tion. 

These  were  the  five  unexceptionable  proofs  of  the 
genuineness  and  sincerity  of  this  man's  repentjince. 
But  his  faith,  which  the  Holy  Ghost  at  the  same  time 
kindled  in  his  heart,  was  likewise  manifested  by  the 
following  signs. 

1.  By  vindicating  our  blessed  Lord ;  for  he  not 
ftnly   reproves  the    blasphemies  of  his  wicked  lt'l~ 


ON  MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  271 

iow-siifferer,  but  gives  a  public  testimony  of  the  per- 
fect innocence  of  Jesus,  in  these  words  :  '  but  this 
Man  hath  done  nothing  amiss.'  As  if  he  had  said, 
He  is  not  only  innocent  of  the  faults  which  are  laid  to 
his  charge  ;  but  in  his  whole  life,  has  done  nothing 
amiss,  nor  so  much  as  committed  any  indiscretion 
which  deserves  even  a  verbal  chastisement,  much  less 
such  a  dreadful  punishment  as  crucifixion.  Thus  he 
looks  on  our  blessed  Saviour  as  a  holy,  innocent,  and 
undefiled  person,  and  infinitely  separated  from  all  sin- 
ners. Nay,  he  was  not  only  a  witness,  but  pleaded 
in  behalfof  our  Saviour's  innocence;  and  that  in  the 
presence  of  so  many  great,  powerful,  and  respe/.ted 
slanderers  and  blasphemers,  whom  he  here  publicly 
contradicts  by  confuting  their  calumnies. 

2.  He  manifests  his  faith  by  a  confidential  address 
to  our  blessed  Saviour ;  to  whom  he  not  only  turns 
his  face,  but  likewise  his  heart,  and  says,  '  Lord,  re- 
member me  when  thou  comest  into  thy  kingdom.' 
Hitherto  he  had  spoke  only  to  his  wicked  companion, 
and  by  reproving  him,  endeavoured  to  bring  him  to 
thoughts  of  repentance.  But  now,  he  turns  from 
him  and  the  rest  of  the  spectators,  and  full  of  faith  and 
reverence  addresses  himself  to  Jesus,  against  whom 
innumerable  tongues  were  discharging  their  rancour 
in  opprobrious  revilings.  Probably,  what  first  touch- 
ed the  heart  of  this  man  was  the  prayer  of  Christ, 
when  nailed  to  the  cross  ;  wherein  he  interceded  for 
his  enemies,  saying,  '  Father,  forgive  them  ;  for  they 
know  not  what  they  do.'  These  pathetic  words  kind- 
led in  his  pathetic  soul  a  spark  of  faith,  love,  and  con- 
fidence towards  the  Lord  Jesus,  which  declared  it- 
self in  this  humble  request,  '  Lord,  remember  me 
when  thou  comest  into  thy  kingdom.' 

3.  He  manifests  his  fliith  by  an  acknowledgment 
of  the  regal  dignity  and  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Though  Christ  was  in  his  lowest  abasement,  he  not 
only  calls  him  Lord,  but  also  ascribes  to  him  a  king- 
dom ;  and  such  a  kingdom  as  he  was  to  enter  upon, 


212  buntsT^s  suffeuincs 

and  possess  after  his  death.  He  confides  in  him  who' 
had  not  a  garment  to  cover  his  nakedness ;  in  him^, 
who.  had  been  even  condemned  to  the  ignominious 
death  of  the  cross,  as  a  king  who  had  a  real  kingdom, 
in  which  he  was  to  triumph  and  reign  to  all  eternity. 
By  this  request,  the  penitent  malefactor  contradicts 
all  those  who  hitherto  had  ridiculed  the  kingdom  of 
Christ ;  and  glorifies  the  blessed  Jesus  at  a  time  when 
his  disciples  were  silent,  and  so  confounded  with  fear, 
that  they  did  not  dare  to  acknowledge  him  for  the 
King  of  Israel.  Could  he  have  done  this,  unless  his 
mouth  had  been  opened  by  the  spirit  of  faith,  without 
which  '  no  man  can  say,  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord  ?' 
(1  Cor.  xii.  3.)  The  same  blessed  spirit  enabled  him 
to  believe  in  his  heart,  and  confess  with  his  mouthy 
that  Jesus  is  the  Lord,  (Rom,  x.  9.)  He  further 
manifests  his  faith, 

4.  By  desiring  a  favour  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  re- 
commending himself  to  his  gracious  remembrance. 
*  Lord  remember  me ;'  which  words  express  his  con- 
cern for  his  immortal  soul,  that  was  now  to  be  separat- 
ed very  soon  from  his  body  by  a  violent  death.  He 
does  not  pray  to  be  delivered  from  the  cross,  but  for 
tlie  salvation  of  his  soul.  Lastly,  he  manifests  his 
feith, 

5.  By  an  humble  resignation  and  poverty  of  spirit. 
He  does  not  pray  for  any  high  station  or  post  of  ho- 
nour in  the  kingdom  of  Christ;  but  only  for  his  af- 
fectionate and  favourable  remembrance  of  him.  He 
refers  tlie  rest  to  the  love  and  wisdom  of  this  spiritual 
King.  Thus  he  was  a  signal  instance,  how  soon  the 
Spirit  of  Grace  can  accom[)iish  its  work,  and  bring 
it  to  maturity,  in  a  soul  that  does  not  resist  its  sacred 
influence.  Such  instances  also  occur  in  the  Acts  of 
the  Apos'les  ;  particularly  in  the  jailer,  who  the  very 
night  he  was  going  to  lay  violent  hands  on  himself  and 
commit  suicide,  was,  with  his  whole  family,  brought 
to  believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus. 


ON    MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.  2/3 

What  this  gift  was,  which  the  crucified  Jesus  con- 
ferred on  tliis  person,  we  niay  learn  I'rom  the  follow- 
ing words:  '  Verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  to-day  shalt 
thou  be  with  me  in  Paradise.'  Thus  the  gift  be- 
stowed on  the  converted  malefactor  was  nothing  less 
than  Paradise,  that  is,  the  desirable  state  to  which  the 
souls  of  the  blessed  or  the  spirits  of  just  men  made 
perfect,  after  their  separaticni  from  the  bod}',  are  ad- 
mitted in  the  presence  of  God,  together  with  all  the 
heavenly  solace  appertaining  to  that  happy  state. 
This  timorous  humble  sinner  would  not  presume  to 
pray,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  would  receive  him  into  his 
kingdom  ;  but  only  requested  that  he  would  be  pleas- 
ed to  remember  him,  when  he  should  one  day  take 
possession  of  his  kingdom,  and  enter  into  his  glory. 
But  the  Son  of  God  immediately  answers  his  request 
with  the  greatest  kindness,  and  promises  him  that,  on 
that  very  day,  he  should  be  with  him  in  his  kingdom  ; 
to  which  he  gives  the  name  of  Paradise,  in  order  to 
shew  that  he  is  the  King  not  of  an  earthly,  but  of  an 
heavenly  and  unperishable  kingdom.  Our  blessed 
Lord  by  diis  answer  likewise  shews,  that  he  is  to  be 
looked  upon  as  the  second  Adam,  who  now  by  his 
actions  and  sufferings  repaired  the  ruins  caused  by 
the  transgression  of  the  first  Adam  ;  and  that  he  was 
to  open  again  that  Paradise,  which  our  first  parent 
had  shut  against  himscU,  and  ail  his  uiifortunute  de- 
scendants. But  as  he  now  opens  Paradise  to  this 
penitent  sinner,  he  at  the  same  time  forgives  him  all 
his  sins,  by  which  he  had  deserved  the  punishment 
of  hell ;  and  includes  him  in  the  general  pardon  whicli, 
in  his  prayer  on  the  cross,  he  had  su{)plicated  for  sin- 
ners :  nay,  he  presents  him  to  his  heavenly  Father, 
as  the  first  spoils  which  he  had  wrested  on  his  cross 
from  the  hands  of  the  devil.  But  that  this  terriiied 
and  trembling  sinner,  who  was  snatched  as  a  brand 
eut  oi  the  fire,  might  be  the  better  assured  of  the  ac- 
complishment of  the  promise  made  him,  he  gives 
him  his  royal  word  :   '  Verily,  I  say  unto  thee,'  con- 

VOL.  II.  Mm 


274  Christ's   surFERiNfcs 

firming  his  promise  with  his  usual  affirmative  of 
Vf  rily,  or  Amen.  In  his  ministerial  office,  he  used 
this  affirmation  as  a  true  prophet ;  but  now  he  uses 
it  as  a  true  kin,a^,  in  whose  words  all  his  faithful  sub- 
jects might  fafely  confide.  This  whole  narrative  is  a 
pleasing  mirror,  in  which  we  may  behold  many  com- 
fortable and  salutary  truths. 

1.  It  is  a  mirror  of  the  power  of  faith,  working 
by  repentance.  Here  it  may  be  seen  how  faith  alters 
a  man  ;  how  it  kindles  a  new  light  in  his  understand- 
ing ;  and  clears  the  eyes  of  the  mind,  so  as  to  pene- 
trate through  all  the  clouds  of  reproach  into  the  glory 
<4"  Jesus  Christ,  and  through  all  obstacles  into  his 
benevolent  heart ;  to  make  his  way  through  all  of- 
fences ;  to  own  Christ,  even  in  his  lowest  abasement, 
to  be  the  Almighty  Prince  of  life  and  King  of  Glory; 
and,  contrary  to  all  outsvard  appearance,  to  account 
his  word  true,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation.  Here 
we  may  also  see  how  it  works  in  the  penitent  a  hatred 
and  abhorrence  of  sin,  a  desire  after  Christ,  charity 
to  his  neighbour  in  endeavouring  to  gain  him  over, 
and  an  humble  resignation.  Lastly,  we  may  here  see 
how  it  extends  its  government  over  the  tongue  ;  so 
that  the  sinner  publicly  acknowledges  his  own  guilt, 
God's  mercy,  and  the  innocence  of  Christ.  It  is  not, 
however,  to  be  denied,  that  in  this  converted  male- 
factor something  extraordinary  \vas  done  ;  and  that 
the  spirit  of  faith  in  a  short  time  completed  in  this 
man,  as  he  hud  but  a  few  hours  more  to  live,  what  in 
the  ordinary  course  of  things  it  does  slowly  and  gra- 
dually. 

Come,  all  ye  who  boast  of  your  faith  in  Christ,  and 
place  yourselves  before  this  mirror  of  fiith.  Com- 
pare youi  f  .ith  with  his  faith,  which  manifested  itself 
by  so  many  precious  fruits  of  the  Spirit.  Alas!  how 
much  cause  will  you  find  to  be  ashamed  at  the  very 
great  disparity,  which  will  appear  on  the  comparison. 
You  have  for  so  long  a  time  heard  the  \vord  of  f  nth, 
luid  have  had  a  thousand  opportunities  which  this 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  275 

poor  malefactor  had  not ;  yet  how  far  does  he  surpass 
you  in  the  power  of  faith  !  How  many  of  you,  not- 
withstanding all  your  boasted  faith,  are  still  by  your 
pnctices  in  unbelief.  Your  understanding  is  full  of 
darkness,  your  will  is  swayed  by  the  love  of  sin,  is 
full  of  hutrtd  to  God,  full  of  abhorrence  to  Christ  and 
his  reproach ;  and  lastly,  you  give  up  your  tongues 
to  the  evil  spirit,  by  uttering  all  manner  of  injurious 
•and  opprobrious  words.  Lift  up  your  eyes  to  Christ 
Jesus,  who  is  now  no  longer  on  the  cross,  but  on  the 
throne  of  glory  ;  dealing  out  gifts,  and  imparting  the 
spirit  of  faith  to  those  who  pray  for  it.  Implore  him 
to  implant  in  your  hearts  this  exalted  and  living  power 
of  faith,  of  which  you  here  see  a  pattern  ;  and  let  that 
faith  work  in  you,  and  be  productive  of  every  virtue. 

2.  In  this  mirror,  the  transcendent  love  which 
Christ  bears  to  mankind  is  conspicuously  displayed. 
Behold,  how  willing  he  is  to  receive  the  most  wretched 
sinners  who  sincerely  turn  to  him  ;  who  forget  all 
those  vices  in  which  they  hitherto  sought  their  Para- 
dise ;  who  hunger  after  his  grace,  and  desire  nothing 
more  than  that  he  would  think  of  them.  Hoav  read- 
ily does  he  here  hold  out  his  hand,  to  rescue  this  sin- 
ner from  destruction  !  no  sooner  does  this  malefactor 
turn  to  the  Prince  of  Life,  than  he  is  not  only  dischar- 
ged from  the  sentence  of  eternal  death,  but  deciared  a 
denizon  of  Paradise ! 

Alas,  trembling  sinner  !  how  canst  thou  hesitate  a 
moment  to  give  up  thy  heart  to  thy  benign  Saviour, 
who  has  appointed  the  felicities  of  Paradise  for  those 
who  truly  turn  to  him  ?  dost  thou  doubt  whether  he 
will  receive  thee,  or  reject  thee?  Behold,  in  the  in- 
stance before  us,  his  uncommon  willingness  to  fulfil 
the  desire  of  the  most  wretched,  but  penitent,  sinner. 
Do  not  wilfully  defer  thy  conversion  to  the  last  mo- 
ment of  th}  life.  Think  not,  because  lhii>  malefactor 
did  not  turn  to  Christ  but  a  few  hours  before  liis  death, 
that  thou  mayest  safely  follow  his  example,  and  put 
off  thy  repentance  till  thou  art  laid  on  the  bed  of  death. 


276  Christ's  sufferings 

Remember,  that  this  is  the  only  instance  in  the  whole 
Scriptures  of  the  acceptance  of  buch  a  late  repentance. 
How  absurd  then  m^ouIcI  it  be  to  ground  thy  hope  on 
so  extraordinary  an  instance  ?  suppose  it  had  once 
happened,  that  a  person  had  leaped  down  from  a  high 
precipice  without  losing  his  life,  would  it  be  prudent 
to  run  the  risk,  and  leap  dovv'n  after  him  ?  no  less  un- 
"wise,  are  they  who  make  a  handle  of  this  comfortable 
example  for  falling  presumptuously  into  sin,  and  put 
off  their  repentance  till  the  hour  of  death.  Too  many 
by  such  an  infatuation  exclude  themselves  from  hea- 
ven. Alas,  to  sin  is  in  our  power ;  but  when  we  are 
once  fallen,  to  abstain  from  sin,  to  repent  and  be  con- 
verted, is  beyond  the  natural  power  of  man;  it  is  the 
goodness  of  God  that  must  lead  us  to  repentance. 
Now  if  sinners  have  been  deaf  to  the  kind  admonitions 
and  chastisements  of  God,  he  will  also  be  deaf  to  their 
cries  in  their  dying  moments.  If  a  man  defers  his 
repentance  to  the  last,  and  in  the  mean  time  rejects  all 
the  faithful  admonitions  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  God  fre- 
quently withdraws  his  gracious  influence  ;  so  that  his 
heart  becomes  alike  incapable  either  of  receiving 
comfort,  or  of  praying  for  Divine  assistance.  Besides, 
it  is  very  probable,  that  this  malefactor  never  had 
such  an  opportunity  before  ;  and  now  he  no  sooner 
sees  the  patience  and  resignation,  and  hears  the  pow- 
erful prayer  and  affectionate  words  of  Christ,  but 
immediately,  instead  of  hardening  his  heart  as  his 
desperate  companion  did,  he  relents,  acknovvlcdges 
liis  guilt,  and  humbly  seeks  the  favour  of  Christ.  But 
with  Christians  it  is  quite  otherwise.  The  Lord  Jesus 
stands  at  the  door  of  our  hearts,  and  "waits  for  ad- 
mission. Besides,  the  day  of  our  deatli  often  comes 
as  a  thief  in  the  night,  sudden  and  unexpi.cted.  At. 
the  hour  of  death,  generally  the  heart  of  man  is  ex- 
tremely afllicted,  his  body  is  full  of  inexpressible  pains 
his  soul  is  overwhelmed  with  anguish  and  terror,  his 
mental  powers  languid  and  confused,  so  as  to  render 
him  hicapable  of  any  regular  action,  or  recollection  of 


ON  MOUNT  GOLGOTHA^;  277 

the  errors  of  his  past  life.  Therefore  repent  in  the  day 
of  grace,  and  use  that  precious  time  before  it  be  eUipsed. 

3.  The  instance  before  us  is  also  a  mirror  of  the 
kinp;ly  glory  oi  Jesus  Christ,  which  here  beiims  forth 
from  amidst  the  clouds  oi  the  deepest  abasement  and 
ignominy.  By  this  instane,  our  crucified  Saviour 
demonstrates,  that  he  has  not  only  the  keys  of  death 
and  hell,  with  \\hich  he  opens  the  abyss  of  eternal 
darkness  for  the  despises  othis  gn  ce,  and  shuts  it,  that 
his  faithful  servants  may  not  fall  into  it ;  but  also  the 
keys  ol  Paradise,  and  ol  the  glorious  mansions  in  his 
Father's  house.  This  is  a  kind  of  prelude  to  the  last 
Judgment  ;  for  Paradise  is  here  promised  to  one 
malefactor  ;  and  shut  against  another,  who  is  consign- 
ed to  eternal  misery.  Acquaint  }  ourselves,  there- 
fore betimes  with  this  Lord  of  Paradise.  Be  not 
ashamed  of  having  fellowship  with  him  in  his  abase- 
ment, that  he  may  not  be  ashimtd  of  having  fellow- 
ship with  you,  in  his  glory. 

In  this  minor  we  may  see  the  manner  of  making 
a  happy  exit ;  and  from  hence  we  may  learn,  how  to 
behave  in  our  last  moments.  We  must,  alter  the 
example  of  this  penitent  malefactor. 

First,  Acknowledge  our  manifold  sins,  and  confess 
that  by  them  we  have  deserved  God's  wratli  and  dis- 
pleasure, tem.poral  death  and  eternal  condemnation. 

Secondly,  From  this  terrfing  thought  we  must  turn 
ourselves  to  Jesus  Christ,  who  alone  blotteth  out  sin  ; 
and  appeal  from  justice  to  grace,  from  wrath  to  mer- 
cy. We  must  pray  to  our  Saviour  to  look  on  us  with 
a  favourable  eye,  as  he  looked  on  this  malefactor,  and 
to  remember  us  in  his  kingdom  of  glorj^ 

Thirdly,  W'c  must  patiently  bear  the  pains  which 
God  is  pleased  to  inflict  en  us  ;  and  in  order  to  allevi- 
ate them,  we  should  fix  our  thoughts  on  that  Para- 
disc,  which  our  dying  Mediator  has  obtained  for  his 
faithful  servants. 

Fourthly,  \\>  must  acknowledge  cur  blessed  Sa- 
viour to  be  the  Lord  of  that  glorious  Paradise,  and 


27S  Christ's  sitfferings 

that  he  has  power  over  life  and  death,  heaven  and  heW, 
salvation  and  condemnation. 

II.  Let  us  now  consider  the  second  gift,  which 
Ch\  !st  bestowed  while  he  hnngon  the  cross  ;  and  this 
was  a  faithful  Son  to  his  disconsolate  mother,  to  be 
her  guardian  and  protector.  The  blessed  Jesus,  now 
languishing  at  the  point  of  death,  and  in  the  most  ex- 
quisite pain,  is  not  unmindful  of  his  mother  ;  but 
expresses  a  tender  concern  for  her  :  for  as  he  had  lov- 
ed his  '  own  who  were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them 
unto  the  end,'  (John  xiii.  1.) 

Our  blessed  Lord's  affectionate  mother  had  attended 
him  to  the  place  of  execution,  and  there  stood  as  near 
the  cross  to  which  her  beloved  Son  was  fastened  as 
the  croud  would  permit  her.  Then  certainly  w.i  >  old 
Simeon's  prophecy  concermng  her  fulfilled,  'Yea a 
svv  ord  shall  pierce  through  thy  own  soul  also,'  (Luke 
ii.  35.)  For  every  opprobrious,  deriding,  and  abu- 
si\'e  word  that  was  thrown  out  against  her  innocent 
Son,  penetrated  her  maternal  heart  like  a  keen  arrow. 
But  God,  in  a  very  singular  manner  supported  the 
bkrised  Virgin  in  these  melancholy  circumstances  ;^ 
for  we  do  not  read  that  she  in-ide  any  lamentations, 
tore  her  hair,  wrung  her  hands,  or  that  she  fainted 
away.  On  the  contrar}%  she  possed  her  soul  in  faith 
and  patience  ;  for  she  had  probably  bepn,  many  years 
before,  inured  to  the  mystery  of  the  cross,  and  botli 
from  the  prophetic  writings,  and  her  Son's  own  inlor- 
mution,  had  learned  that  his  sufferings  should  have  a 
glorious  issue. 

But  with  Mary  the  mother  of  our  Lord  stood  two 
other  devote  women,  namely,  lur  sister  who  was  mar- 
ried to  a  man  calkd  Cleophas,  an.d  Mary  Magdalene, 
cut  of  whom  the  Lord  Jesus  had  cast  seven  devils 
(Luke  viii.  2.)  for  which  extraordinary  favour  she,  on 
her  side,  shewed  her  gratitude  to  her  deliverer,  so  as 
not  to  forsake  him  even  at  the  cross.  These  feeble 
attendants,  by  thus  approaching  near  the  cross,  sham- 
ed our  Saviour's  disciples ;  none  of  whom  now  dared 


ON   MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.'  2'79 

to  shew  their  heads,  St.  John  alone  excepted.  These 
devout  women  made  good  the  saying  of  Solomon, 
namely,  '  that  love  is  strong  as  death,'  (Cant.  viii.  5.) 
I'or  it  is  the  nature  of  true  love  not  to  fear  any  dan- 
ger, or  to  be  separated  from  its  beloved  object  by  any 
distress. 

Now  the  blessed  Jesus,  looking  down  from  the 
cross,  saw  his  disconsolate  mother,  and  Si.  John,  the 
diiciple  w  horn  he  particularly  loved,  standing  by  her. 

Hereupon  our  blessed  Lord  said  unto  her,  '  Wo- 
in;  p  bt  hold  thy  son;'  and  thus  gave  his  childless  pa- 
rent another  son,  who  was  to  cherish,  protect,  and 
take  care  of  her  in  her  old  age,  and  to  be  as  a  faith- 
ful guardian  and  sincere  friend  to  her  on  all  occasions. 
It  is  very  probable  that  our  blessed  Lord  perceived, 
that  his  mother's  anxious  heart  was  agitated  w^di  these 
or  the  like  thoughts  :  Alas  !  what  will  become  of  me 
in  the  world,  now^  my  beloved  Son  is  taken  from  me? 
who  will  protect  such  a  poor,  disconsolate,  weak  wo- 
man as  I  am  ?  Jesus  therefore  calls  out  to  her  in  die 
tenderest  accents.  There  is  my  best  beloved  disciple  ! 
he  will  be  instead  of  a  son  to  you.  He  will  take  care 
of  you,  be  a  comfortable  support  to  you,  and  will 
shew  you  all  the  tenderness  and  affection  of  a  duti- 
ful son. 

III.  Immediately  after  this  follovvs  the  third  gift, 
conferred  by  our  blessed  Lord  while  he  hung  on  ihe 
cross.  He  now  turns  his  benia:n  countenance  to  his 
beloved  disciple,  and  addresses  him  in  these  words: 
*  Behold  thy  mother!'  By  this  speech,  Jesus  not 
only  enjoins  his  disciple  for  tl"?e  future  to  behave  to 
Mary  as  if  she  was  his  own  mother,  and  to  perform 
all  those  duties,  which  an  aftectionate  parent  can  ex- 
pect from  an  obedient  son ;  but  he  likewise  commits 
to  :5t.  John  a  most  precious  jewel,  the  '  blessed  among 
women,'  who  had  found  such  favour  with  God  as  to 
bring  forth  the  Seed  of  the  woman.  Thus  our  bles- 
sed Sviviour,  as  it  were  in  his  last  will,  leaves  to  his 
favourite  diicipie  what  was  dearest  to  iuiu  of  any 


230  Christ's  sufferings 

thing  in  this  world.  The  disciple  was  very  far  from 
looking  on  this  as  a  chargeable  incumbrance,  but  ac- 
counted it  a  singular  honour,  and  immediately  se- 
cured this  valuable  legacy.  For  we  read,  that '  From 
that  hour  the  disciple  took  her  to  his  own  home  ;' 
where  he  supplied  every  thing  necessary  for  her  sup- 
port during  tne  remainder  of  her  life.  She  lived  with 
this  disciple,  according  to  some  commentators;  till 
the  sixty-third  year  of  her  age.  St.  John  was  the 
more  expeditious  to  receive  this  precious  deposit 
com?nitted  to  him,  being  persuaded  that  his  care  of 
the  mother  of  the  blessed  Jesus  would  entitle  him  to 
call  the  Lord  Jesus  his  brother,  in  a  stricter  sense 
than  other  believers. 

By  these  words  Christ  has  confirmed  the  fifth  com- 
mandment, and  set  to  all  children  a  pattern  of  the 
tender  care  and  affection,  which  they  ought  to  shew 
for  theii*  parents  ;  and  that  this  care  should  extend  to 
their  last  moments,  not  only  in  acts  of  kindness  and 
filial  duty,  but  also  by  making  provision  for  them  if 
they  survive  their  children.  Hence  we  shall  now  de- 
duce the  following  inferences  : 

1.  }So  real  detriment  will  happen  to  any  Christian 
by  partaking  of  the  reproach  of  Christ. 

How  richly  are  the  blessed  Virgin  and  St.  John 
rewarded  for  the  fidelity,  which  they  shewed  to  the 
blessed  Jesus  by  attending  him  in  his  last  moments. 
Nor  was  the  attendance  of  the  other  devout  women 
disregarded  by  our  blessed  Lord  ;  for  they  had  after- 
wards the  honour  of  being  the  first  witnesses  and  pro- 
mulgators of  his  resurrection,   (Mark  xvi.   1 9.) 

Thus  the  blessed  Jesus  leaves  none  of  tho^e,  who  are 
not  ashamed  of  the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  with- 
out their  rcAvard.  Infidelity  would  indeed  persuade 
men,  that  they  incur  great  damages  by  such  a  felow- 
ship ;  that  it  is  a  great  detriment  to  their  temporal 
callings,  &.c.  But  these  are  all  groundless  and  fal- 
lacious suggestions,  which  may  be  confuted  by  num- 
!)ericss  instances.     Sow  supposing  that  all  human. 


OiV    MOUNT    COLGOTHA.  281 

aid  should  forsake  us  ;  supposing  persecution  and 
distress  should  attend  us  ;  yet  we  may  depend  on  iiis 
friendship,  who  is  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  who 
keeps  the  keys  of  Paradise  and  the  mansions  of  biiss  ; 
and  is  ever  fulfilling  what  he  has  promised  in  these 
words  ;   '  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  there  is  no  man  that 
hath  left  house,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father,  or 
mother,  or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands,  for  mv  sake, 
and  the  Gospel's,  but  he  shall  receive  an  hundred  fold 
now  in  this  time,  houses  and  brethren,  and  sisters, 
and  mothers,  and  children,  and  lands,  with  persecu- 
tions  ;  and  in  the  world  to  come,  eternal  lifc,'  (Mark 
X.   29,  30.)     Therefore    let   us  courageously  enlisi; 
among  the  followers  of  our  crucified  Saviour;  for  none 
of  us  will  repent  of  having  so  done,  through  all   the 
days  of  eternity. 

2.  Our  blessed  Lord  has  shewn  it  to  be  his  express 
will,  that  they,  who  believe  in  his  name,  should  be 
inseparably  joined  in  the  bands  of  love  and  unity.    \Vc 
are  not  to  confine  these  words  of  Christ,  as  if  thex-^ 
related  only  to  his  mother  and  beloved  disciple  :    for 
in  this  his  last  testament,  the  Lord  Jesus  has  enjoined, 
that  every  believer  should  do  to  another  all  the  kind 
offices  he  can,    and  that  Christians  should  shew  all 
possible  love,  friendship,    and  benevolence  to  eacii 
other.     As  he  has  loved  us  and  given  himself  up  tc» 
death  for  us,  he  confirms  the  new  commandment, 
that  we  should  love  one  another,  and  by  this  testa- 
mentary injunction,  makes  this  command  irrevocable. 
How  then  can  it  be  known  that  we  are  the  disciples  of 
Christ,  unless  we  love  one  another,  and  bear  each 
others  burdens  ?  this  is  a  duty,  which  we  more  par- 
ticularly owe  to  the  necessitous  and  the  destitute,  to 
strangers,  widows,  and  orphans  ;  and  especially,  to 
the  poor  members  of  the  sacred  body  of  the  Lord 
Jesus.     Though  the  mother  of  our  blessed  Lord  hay 
been  long  since  dead ;    yet  many  pious  Christians 
still  remain,  of  whom  Jesus  hath  said,    '  whosoever 
shall  do  the  will  of  my  father  \vho  is  in  heavta,  the 
VOL.  II,  jv  a 


2'Bii  CHIIIST's   SUIFERINGS 

same  is  my  brother,  and  sister,  and  mother,'  (Matti 
xii.  50.)  Tiierefore,  when  we  take  such  persons  in 
their  destitute  and  comfordess  circumstances  under 
our  care,  the  sympathizing- Jesus  accepts  of  our  kind- 
ness, not  only  as  if  it  \vere  done  to  his  parent ;  but  as 
a  favour  bestowed  on  himself,  and  will  reward  it  ac- 
cordingly. Let  us  therefore,  express  our  love  to  our 
crucified  Saviour  bv  carefully  observing  this  his  last 
precept,  and  endeavour  to  alleviate  and  sweeten  this 
troublesome  life  to  our  afflicted  brethren,  by  our  la- 
iDour  of  love,  and  practise  ail  manner  of  reciproail 
kind  oliices. 

3.  A  cheerful  and  ready  obedience  to  the  commands 
oFour  Saviour  is  the  surest  mark  of  the  disciple  wiiom 
Jesus  loveth. 

St.  John,  in  the  instance  before  us,  sliews  himself 
to  be  the  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved,  by  immediattly 
fulfilling  his  Master's  last  command  with  such  a  ready 
willingness.  For  VvC  do  not  read  thai  he  excused 
himself,  and  pleaded  his  own  poverty  ;  or  that  he  re- 
presented the  several  avocations  of  his  Apostolic  office, 
(kc.  But,  from  that  hour,  instantly,  he  took  the  vir-  r, 
gin  mother  to  his  own  home.  If  therefore  we  would 
be  the  disciples  of  Christ,  and  such  disciples  as  he 
loveth,  and  in  -xvhom  his  soul  is  v/ell  pleased  ;  we  must 
do  his  will  from  the  heart,  and  execute  his  commands 
with  a  ready  ol^edience  ;  we  must  set  aside  the  ex-  . 
cuses  of  the  flesh,  and  the  evasions  of  unbelief;  and 
must  rejoice  at  an  opportunity  of  shewing  our  love  to 
our  blessed  Saviour,  and  those  who  belong  to  his 
household. 

4.  Filial  love,  besides  a  cardial  affection  for  parents, 
ought  to  shew  itself  in  all  obedience  and  fidelity. 
Thus  in  spiritual  things,  it  must  appear  by  praying 
for,  and  caring-  for  the  welfare  of  their  souls  ;  and,  as 
children  cannot  requite  the  benefits  they  have  received 
from  their  parents,  by  supplicating  God  that  he  would 
reward  them.  Likewise  it  should  appear  in  temporal 
things,  by  promoting  their  parents  advantage  as  far 


ON     MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  28.1. 

as  possible  ;  by  preventing  any  damag;e  l)cfalling  them 
in  vindicating  their  good  name,  assisting  them  in  sick- 
ness, poverty,  and  decrepid  age,  &c.  The  honour 
due  to  parents  consists  in  the  sentiments  of  the  heart, 
which  should  be  filled  with  a  sincere  reverence  for 
them,  and  shew  itself  by  respectful  words  and  behavi- 
our, and  a  ready  obedience  without  murmurs,  deiay^ 
or  contradiction  ;  by  complying  with  their  lawful 
commands,  and  submitting  to  their  reproofs  and  cor- 
rections ;  by  conforming  to  their  advice,  patiently 
bearing  their  foibles,  and  throwing  a  veil  over  their 
faults.  Such  should  be  the  temper  and  behaviour  of 
all  Christian  children  towards  their  parents. 

5.  Our  blessed  haviour  by  his  behaviour  in  his 
last  moments,  intended  to  set  a  good  example  in  sev- 
eral particulars  to  d\  ing  persons.     He  terchcs  them, 

First,  That  they  should  not.behave  frowardly  and 
impatiently,  under  the  pains  they  feel,  to  those  who  at- 
tend them  in  their  sickness. 

Secondly,  That  they  should  administer  comfort  tf) 
their  aillicted  parents,  relations,  children,  &c.  who  la- 
ment their  approaching  departure,  by  kind  and  sooth- 
ing  expressions. 

Thirdl}',  That  they  should  edify  them  by  their 
example,  patience,  piety,  and  devotion,  under  their 
sufferings. 

Fourthly,  That  they  should  settle  their  worldlv 
concerns  with  a  resigned  composure  of  mind. 

Fifthly;  That  they  are  not  to  put  off  the  settling  of 
their  temporal  affairs  to  the  last  moment ;  but  ouglit 
to  reserve  some  remainder  of  time  to  bestow  more  im- 
mediately on  the  future  welfare  of  their  souls. 

Sixthly,  That  on  their  death- bed  they  should  do 
acts  of  charity,  and  remember  poor  widows  and  or- 
phans, by  bestowing  something  upon  them,  in  order 
to  shew  the  sincerity  of  their  faith  and  love. 

Seventhly,  That  they  should  endeavour,  l)y  cor- 
dial exhortations  on  their  death-bed,  to  kindle  up  m 


284  CHIlISl's     SUFFERINGS 

their  families  the  flame  of  brotherly  love  and  affection^ 
and  more  closely  unite  their  relations  in  the  bond  of 
perfection  and  peace.  The  observance  of  these  du- 
ties will  make  us  resemble  the  benevolent  Jesus  in 
our  last  moments. 

THE    PRAYER. 

O  FAiTirruL  and  ever-living  Saviour!  we  thank  thee 
who  didst  confer  such  excellent  and  invaluable  gifts 
on  the  cross,  by  which  thou  hast  manifested  to  all 
the  world,  not  only  thy  love,  but  likewise  thy  riches 
and  power,  l^hou  now  livest  in  strength,  and  art 
com])letely  entered  on  thy  government  over  heaven 
and  earth,  'i'hou  hast  now  the  keys  of  hell  and  death, 
of  heaven  and  of  paradise  :  Eternal  life  and  every  good 
gift  are  in  thy  hands.  Draw  us,  we  beseech  thee,  so 
powerfully  to  thee,  that  we  may  be  also  partakers  of 
thy  manifold  gifts.  Thy  unperishable  riches  are  so 
Jar  from  being  exhausted,  during  these  eighteen  hun- 
dred years  that  have  elapsed  since  thy  crucifixion, 
that  thou  hast  yet  in  store  gifts  sufficient  for  men, 
even  for  backsliders ;  and  there  are  still  mansions 
enough  in  thy  Father's  house,  into  which  thou  wilt 
admit  those  who  art  not  ashmied  of  thy  sufferings,  and 
thy  cross.  Bless,  O  Lord,  that  part  of  thy  word, 
which  has  been  at  present  considered,  that  it  may  be 
to  all  a  balsam  of  life,  and  may  support  us  to  the  end, 
imder  iill  the  troubles  and  afflictions  which  we  may 
meet  with  in  following  thee.  Grant  this  for  the  sake 
of  that  love,  with  which  thou  hast  loved  thine  own 
unto  the  end.     Amen.  Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  VIII. 

THE  LAST  SUFFERI^TGS  OF  THE  LOR])  JESUS. 

'NOW  from  the  sixth  hour  there  was  darkness  over 
ihe  land  until  the  ninth  hour;  and  the  sun  was  darken- 


ON  MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.  285 

«d.  And  about  the  ninth  hour,  Jesus  cried  with  a  loud 
voice,  saying,  Eli^  EH,  lamma  sabachthani.,  that  is  to 
say,  My  God!  my  God!  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me? 
Some  of  them  that  stood  there,  when  tliey  heard  that, 
said,  Behold,  this  man  calleth  for  Klias.  After  this, 
Jesus  knowing  that  all  things  were  now  accomplished, 
that  the  Scripture  might  be  fulfilled,  saith,  1  thirst. 
Now  there  was  set  a  vessel  full  of  vinegar :  And  one 
run  and  took  a  spunge,  and  filled  it  with  vinegar  and 
put  it  upon  hvssop,  or  stuck  it  on  a  reed,  and,  held  it 
to  his  mouth,  and  gave  him  to  drink  The  rest  said, 
Let  him  be ;  let  us  see  whether  Elias  will  come  to 
save  him,  and  take  him  down.  Now  when  Jesus  had 
received  the  vinegar,  he  said,  It  is  finished.  And  he 
again  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  and  said.  Father,  into 
thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit !  And  having  said 
this,  he  bowed  his  head,  and  gave  up  the  ghost.' 
(Matt,  xxvii.  45 — 50.  Mark  xv.  ^3 — 37.  Luke 
xxiii.  44 — 46.  John  xix.  28 — 30.) 

In  this  part  of  the  Evangelical  history  of  the  Pas- 
sion, we  have  an  account  both  of  the  last  words,  and 
Jast  sufferings  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  The  last  words  of 
Christ  on  the  cross  have  been  illustrated  on  another 
occasion.  (See  "Considerations  on  the  seven  Last 
Words  of  the  crucified  Jesus.")  To  which,  for  bre- 
vity's sake,  I  refer  the  reader;  and  now  direct  our 
attention  chiefly  to  the  last  sufferings  of  the  Lord, 
yet  so  as  not  to  omit  entirely  his  last  words.  Five 
particulars  are  specified  in  the  words  which  we  haA  e 
cited  above,  namely. 

First,  The  darkness  and  desertion  which  oppres- 
sed his  spotless  soul. 

Secondly,  The  mockery  of  the  spectators,  when 
he  broke  out  into  those  remarkable  words,  which  this 
agony  of  his  soul  extorted  from  him. 

Thirdly,  This  painful  thirst  he  endured  on  the 
cross. 

Fourthly,  The  giving  him  vinegar  to  drink  by  way 
*dl  derision.     And, 


286  eHRIST's   SUFPERINGS 

Fifthly,  The  separation  of  his  soul  and  body  by 
death.  These  last  sufferings  of  the  blessed  Jesus  we 
shall  treat  of  in  such  a  method,  as  to  shew  how  a  de- 
vout Christian  should  meditate  on  them,  and  elevate 
his  soul  to  his  Saviour  in  pious  ejaculations. 

I.  The  first  among  these  various  sufferings  of  our 
blessed  Lord  was  the  darkness  and  desertion  which 
oppressed  his  spotless  soul.  The  dreadful  judg- 
ments, which  God  now  poured  forth  on  our  blessed 
Sa\  iour,  were  visibly  attended  with  a  total  eclipse  of 
the  sun.  Concerning  tliis  remarkable  phenomenon, 
aiid  the  desertion  of  his  soul,  it  is  said  in  the  words 
of  the  text.  '  Now  from  the  sixth  hour  there  was  dark-, 
ness  over  all  the  land  until  the  ninth  hour  ;  and  <^he 
sun  \vas  darkened.  And  about  the  ninth  hour,  Jesus 
cried  widi  a  loud  voice.  My  God  !  my  God  !  why 
hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?' 

When  a  pious  Christian  here  observes  the  exact 
account,  which  the  Holy  Spirit  has  caused  to  be  takea 
of  the  hour  of  this  extreme  inward  sufferings  of  Christ, 
he  perceives  \^'ith  a  holy  reverence,  how  the  particular 
providence  of  God  over-ruled  every  circumstance  of 
the  sufferins:s  of  his  Son.  For  the  Evaneelists  ob- 
serve,  that  this  darkness  lasted  from  the  sixth  to  the 
ninth  hour ;  or,  according  to  our  computation  of  time, 
it  began  about  twelve  at  noon  with  an  eclipse  of  the 
sun,  and  drew  to\^'ards  a  period  about  three  of  the 
clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  hours  are  not  so  punc- 
tually set  down  in  the  account  of  any  of  the  transac- 
tions of  our  Saviour's  life,  as  they  are  in  the  history 
of  his  sufferings.  It  might  seem  as  if  Jesus  had  been 
entirely  given  up  to  the  will  of  his  enemies  ;  but  the 
case  was  quite  otherwise :  The  providence  cf  God 
had  prescribed  limits  to  their  rage  ;  so  that  they  nei- 
ther could  lay  hold  of  him  before  his  hour  was  come, 
nor  torment  him  longer  than  had  been  pre-determii,ed 
by  God's  eternal  decree.  The  same  Providence  had 
likewise  set  certain  bounds  to  the  prince  of  dark- 
ness, and  confined  to  a  limited  time  the  duration  Cif 


OU    MOONT    GOLGOTHA."  f^S"/' 

his  rage  and  fury  against  the  blessed  Seed  of  the 
woman. 

O  my  God,  may  an  afflicted  soul  here  say,  my  suf- 
ferings are  not  at  all  to  be  compared  for  merit  to  those 
of  my  Saviour  ;  yet  I  know,  that  even  the  hours  oi" 
my  sufferings  are  limited  by  thy  Providence,  and  that 
thou  countest  them  out  unto  me.     Thou  appointest 
the  beginning  and  end  of  my  sufferings.     Thou  fre- 
quentl}-  orderest,  that  at  noon  day  my  soul  shall  be 
involved  in  darkness  ;  and  that  it  shall  sometimes  lose 
the  comfortable  assurance  of  thy  love,  at  a  time  when 
it  shone  brightest,  and  when  my  soul  was  full  of  light, 
and  joyed  for  thy  salvation.     Preserve  me,  O  my  Fa- 
ther, from  ever  finding  fault  with  thy  computation  of 
the  hours ;  but  that  I  may  rather  acquiesce  with  my 
whole  heart  in  what  thou  art  pleased  to  inflict  upon 
me.     I  know  that  thou  orderest  everv  thins:  for  the 
good  of  thy  creatures.     Thou  wilt  not  only  count 
the  hours  ol  my  sorrows  and  sufferings  ;  but  wilt  gra- 
ciously   shorten    them,  and  never  suffer  me  to  be 
tempted  above  what  I  am  able  to  bear.     Preserve  me, 
O  Lord,  from  the  gloom  of  unbelief,  from  the  dark- 
ness of  spiritual  blindness,  and  from  the  eternal  night 
of  the  dark  abyss.     Grant  that  I  may  walk  and  work 
in  the  light  while  it  is  day,  before  the  night  comes  on, 
when  no  man  can  work. 

But  justly  is  the  soul  astonished  at  seeing  the  Son 
of  God,  the  effulgence  of  eternal  glory,  and  the  source 
of  all  light  in  the  kingdoms  of  nature  and  grace,  hang 
three  tedious  hours  on  the  cross  amidst  the  horrors  of 
darkness.  What  can  this  mean,  that  the  natural  suit- 
loses  its  bri^-htness,  and  all  the  land,  or  rather  the 
whole  earth  (Rom.  ix.  17.  x.  18.)  in  every  part  where 
it  should  then  be  day,  is  involved  in  thick  darkness  ? 
The  vast  body  of  the  sun,  which  imparts  light  not 
only  to  the  earth,  but  also  to  the  moon  and  other 
planets,  is  totally  obscured!  This  was  no  usual  or 
common  eclipse  of  the  sun,  which  falls  out  when  the 
moon  is  in  a  direct  line  between  the  sun  and  our  earth ; 


2SS  ClIllIST's   SJ3ll'EttHGS 

and  even  thcii,  the  sun  docs  not  properly  lose  its 
radiancy,  but  its  beams  are  intercepted  by  the  inter- 
vening moon  from  falling  on  the  earth,  and  conse- 
quently illuminating  it.  Such  natural  eclipses  can 
never  happen  at  the  full  of  the  moon,  as  it  was  at  that 
time,  nor  last  above  an  hour  and  an  half;  whereas, 
this  darkness  happened  at  the  full  of  the  moon,  and 
lasted  three  whole  hours.  In  this  instance  likewise 
the  rays  of  the  sun  were  not  intercepted  by  the  moon ; 
but,  as  St.  Luke  expressly  says,  the  sun  itself  was 
darkened.  When  a  pious  Christian  enquires  into  tiie 
signification  of  this  extraordinary  phenomenon  which 
happened  during  our  Saviour's  passion,  he  will  find, 
that 

1.  Widi  regard  to  the  Jewish  people,  this  total 
darkness  denoted,  that  by   crucifying   the  Messiah 
they  committed  such  a  horrid  work  of  darkness,  that 
the  sun  would  not  behold  it,  nor  lend  its  beams  to  the 
perpetration  of  such  an  atrocious  deed  ;  consequently 
that  God  was  in  the  highest  manner  provoked  against 
the  murderers  of  his    Son,  and   Would  manifest  his 
wrath  from  heaven  on  this  u'icked  and  perverse  gene- 
ration ;  that  he  would  withdraw  from  them  the  light 
of  his  knowledge  and  grace,  together  with  all  true 
joy  and  comfort,  and  thrust  them  into  the  extreme 
darkness  of  blindness  and  obduracy.     He  may  fur- 
ther conclude,  that  these  words  of  Isaiah  were  to  be 
fulfilled  in  the  Jewish  nation  :   '  If  one  look  unto  the 
land,  behold  darkness  and  sorrow,  and  the  light  is 
darkened  in  the  heaven  thereof.     And  they  shall  look 
unto  the  earth,  and  behold  trouble,  darkness,  and  dim- 
ness of  anguish ;  and  they  shall  be  driven  to  dark- 
ness,' (Isaiah  v.  50.  viii.  22.)     To  this  also  the  pro- 
phet Amos  possibly  alludes  when  he  joins  the  going 
down  of  the  sun  at  noon,  and  darkening  the  earth  in 
the  clear  day,  with  the  famine  of  the  word  of  the  Lord 
sent  upon  the  land,  (chap.  viii.  1),  11.)     Thus,  this 
extraordinary  darkness  of  the  sun  was  a  dismal  pre- 
sage of  the  spiritual  darkness  of  that  wretched  natioii 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  289 

tt)  this  very  hour,  which  the  Lord  Jesus  had  pre- 
dicted by  saying  unto  them,  '  Walk  while  ye  have 
light,  lest  darkness  come  upon  you,'  (John  xiii  35.) 

2.  With  regard  to  our  blessed  Lord  himself,  this 
outward  darkness  Was  an  emblem  of  the  inward  dark- 
ness, in  which  his  sacred  soul  was  then  involved.  For 
as  the  light  of  the  natural  sun  was  then  withdrawn 
from  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  ;  so  the  light  of  the 
Divine  consolation  and  inward  joy  was  at  that  time 
withdrawn  from  the  soul  of  Jesus  Christ :  and  as  cold 
and  darkness  then  prevailed  throughout  the  whole 
region  of  the  air,  so  the  soul  of  our  blessed  Saviour 
was  to  experience  something  of  the  terrors  of  eternal 
darkness ;  which  now  overwhelmed  his  conscience, 
from  a  sense  of  the  imputation  of  all  the  sins  of  the 
whole  world,  and  threw  it  into  the  utmost  anguish 
and  consternation.  This  supernatural  darkness  was 
an  extraordinary  work  of  the  Divine  power,  and 
served  to  shew  that  Christ  was,  during  that  in'ierval, 
-as  it  were,  forsaken  b)  God  ;  so  that  the  visible  hea- 
ven, the  outward  court  of  God's  glorious  mansion, 
was  deprived  of  its  luminaries  during  this  catastrophe, 
and  no  creature  enjoyed  the  enlivening  influence  of 
the  sun. 

O  my  Saviour,  a  pious  Christian  may  say,  thus 
was  it  represented  in  thy  glorious  person,  wliat  a  dark 
partition  sin  has  made  between  God  and  muukind ; 
how  it  obscured  the  light  of  God's  benign  counte- 
nance, and  at  last  would  have  cast  the  benighted  soul 
into  outward  dai'kness.  It  was  1  who  deserved  to  be 
shut  up  in  this  dark  prison,  who  had  forsaken  the 
Father  of  liglits  ;  and  had  loved  darkness  rather  than 
light.  But  thou  didst  appear  in  my  stead,  O  thou 
bright  effulgence  of  everlasting  light  !  and  didst  per- 
mit the  terrors  of  eternal  night  to  environ  thee,  and 
the  power  of  darkness  to  as  aalt  thee  ;  that  thwu 
mightest  overcome  them,  and  thereby  open  to  me  an 
access  to  light  and  glory,  and  acquire  for  nie  a  right 
to  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  liglit.     O  give  me 

VOL.    II.  0    0 


two  cmtlS'T's   SUrFEllINCS 

an  irreconcilable  hatred  agiinsf  the  unfruitful  work?' 
of  darkness,  that  I  may  never  have  any  fellowship 
With  them,  but  rather  reprove  them.  Grant  that  I 
may  walk  in  the  light,  as  .i  child  of  lig-ht,  that  I  ma)- 
hi>vt  fellowsliip  with  God,  w'io  is  the  source  of  light. 
But  if,  by  m}  open  profession  of  Christianity,  I  should 
be  deserted  by  many,  and  be  surrounded  with  ob- 
ficurity  and  a  disconsolate  gloom  ;  if  the  light  of  thy 
grace  should  hide  itself  from  the  soul ;  if  the  hope  of 
my  adcpiion,  and  of  the  remission  of  my  sins  should 
be  extinguished,  so  that  I  must  cry  out  with  the 
PiTK  hiiist,  '  Thou  hast  laid  me  in  the  lowest  pit,  in 
darkness,  and  in  the  deeps,'  (Psalm  Ixxxviii.  6.)  grant, 
that  accordifig  to  thy  example,  I  may,  in  silent  pa- 
tience, wait  for  the  dawn  of  thy  light. 

When  a  piotis  soui  farther  employs  its  thoughts  on 
pur  Saviour's  address  to  his  Father  about  the  ninth 
ilour,  towards  the  period  both  of  the  outward  and  in- 
ward darkness,  ^'v  hen  he  cried  out,  *  My  God  !  my 
God  !  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me?'  it  stands  amazed 
at  the  filial  disposition  of  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  who,  not- 
withstanding the  agonies  that  surrounded  him,  as  it 
were  embraces  his  Father  with  cordial  love,  and  with- 
a  'oud  cry,  which  appears  to  have  been  accomp?;jied 
Witli  a  flood  of  tears,  (Heb.  v.  7. )  twice  calls  to  him,  My 
God  !  ni)  God  !  As  if  he  had  said,  "  Thou  art  still 
my  Amiight}  God,  who  canst  deliver  my  human  na- 
ture from  this  extreme  anguish.  However  severely 
thou  dealest  with  me  j.  though  thou  hidest  thy  face 
from  me  ;  yet  will  I  never  turn  my  looks  from  thecc 
The  eternal  covenant  for  the  redemption  of  mankind, 
made  betxveen  thyself  and  me,  still  remains  fixed  and 
immoveable  ;  and  thoufHi  all  the  floods  of  the  river 

^  o 

Oi  Belial  beat  against  me,  my  confidence  in  thee  shall 
never  be  shaken."  Moreover,  our  blessed  Saviouf 
asked  the  cause  of  this  desertion,  by  saying  to  his  Fa- 
ther, '  Why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?'  But  this  was 
done  for  our  sake,  in  order  to  awaken  us  to  reflection. 
God  never  fprsakes  any,  but  those  who  have  firs'- 


t»N  JIOUNT  GOLGOTHaV  ^V% 

K)rsaken  him,  (2  Cor.  xii.  5.)     Now  the  blessed  Jesus 
had  never  forsaken  his  heavenly  Father  :   but,  on  the 
eontrar} ,  had  ahvays  done  those  things  that  pleased 
him,  (John  viii.  29.)    Consequently  the  cause  of  thia 
desertion  is  to  be   sought,  not  in  him,  but  in  us. 
Aiiis  !   we  indeed  have  forsaken  our  (  reator,  we  had 
forfeited  his  precious  ftivour,  his  inestimable  affec- 
tion ;  and  parted,  with  it  as  a  thing  of  no  v/orth,  iii 
order  to  satisfy  a  base  passion.     God  may  daily  com- 
plain of  us,  *  they  have  forsaken  me,  the  fountain  of 
living  waters.'     For  we  may   daily  observe    multi- 
tudes, who,  for  worthless  trifles,  for  a  little  money, 
some  fleeting  sensual  gratification,  some  empty  ho- 
nou)',  forsake  the  fountain  of  all  blessings,  and  trans- 
fer their  love  and  confidence  to  the  creatures.     Nowr 
for  the  expiation  of  such  a  heinous  sin,  for  the  repa^ 
ration  of  the  honour  which  the  Divine  Majesty  i^ 
thtreby  robbed  of;  the  only  begotten  Son  of  the  Fa- 
ther here  laments,  that  he  is  forsaken  of  God ;  and 
this  not  in  mere  idea,  but  in  reality.     For  as  Christ 
had  tiiken  our  sins  upon  him,  and  become  a  curse  fo^ 
Ub;  so  was  he  forsaken  by  God  not  only  outwardl} , 
by  withdr-iwing  his  protection  from  him  and  giving 
him  up  to  his  enemies,  (Psalm  iii.  2.)  but  like^\ise 
inwardly  ;  the  Dci'y   suspending  his  bli^si'ui  opera- 
tions on  hib  Ui.dcrs:arding,  will,  conscience,  and  de- 
fections, and  permittuig  all  the  power  of  the  devil,  and 
the  agonies  of  death,  jointly  to  assault  him.     As,  m 
quality  of  our  surety,  he  was  to  feel  our  pains,  to  bear 
our  griefs,  and  carry  our  sorrows,  (Isuiah  liii.  4.)  so 
was  his  soul  to  be  deprived,  for  a  while,  of  the  bri.L^ht- 
ness  of  God's  countenance,  and  the  enjo\  mentoi  ihe 
supreme  good,  by  which  the  invvai'd  sensation  of  the 
pain  would  have  been  ver}  much  abated,  if  not   to- 
tally extinguished.   On  the  other  hand,  he  was  to  suffer 
all  the  floods  of  the  Divine  wrath  to  pass  over  hi  in; 
which  would  have  overwhelmed  our  Saviour's  hu- 
man nature,  had  not  the  Divinity  within  I'im  sup- 
ported it  in.  thi^   terrible   trial.     Thus,  under   ihi*5 


292  christ'"s  sufferings 

grievous  depression  of  body  and  soul,  God  remained 
the  strength  and  portion  of  his  heart,  (Psalm  Ixxiii. 
26.)  so  that  in  this  extreme  mental  agony,  he  adhered 
to  the  Almighty  God  with  undismayed  confidence, 
wrestled  with  him  all  the  time  of  this  darkness,  and 
did  not  leave  him  till  he  had  obtained  for  us  the  assur- 
ance of  a  blessing.  As  our  blessed  Saviour  pro- 
duced the  merit  of  his  innocence,  and  his  perfect  filial 
obedience,  to  fill  up  the  horrid  gulf  that  was  between 
God  and  man  ;  he  has  thereby  opened  to  us  a  way  to 
gain  the  friendship  of  God,  reconciled  heaven  and 
earth,  and  again  acquired  for  us  a  right  to  a  fellow- 
ship with  God,  which  we  had  unhappily  forfeited. 

O  my  Saviour  !  I  am  astonished  to  see  in  this  mir- 
ror of  wrath,  the  effects  and  consequences  of  sin. 
Forgive  me,  who  have  drawn  upon  thee  such  a  ter- 
rible pri\'ation  of  all  comfort,  such  a  dreadful  feeling 
of  the  Divine  wrath  !    May  I  hence  learn,  how  ter- 
rible a  thing  sin  is  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  what  a 
dreadful  separation  it  has  made  between  God  and  man. 
Grant  that  I  may  highly  value  that  fellowship  with 
God,  to  which  thou  hast  obtained  for  me  a  right ;  and 
that  I  may  highly  value  and  rejoice  in  that  comfortable 
promise  of  thy   Father,   ^ho  hath  said,  '  I  will  not 
leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee.'    Stand  by  me,  O  blessed 
Kedeemcr,  in  the  hour  of  desertion  !    That  gloomy 
path  thou  hast  sanctified,  by  patiently  bearing  to  be 
deserted  by  every   comfort,  and  hast  changed  into  a 
way  of  benediction.     Now,  thou  knov^^est  what  it  is 
to  be  thus  deserted,  and,  as  a  merciful  High  Priest, 
canst  have  compassion  on  those   who  are  in  such  a 
state.     Nay,  thou  wast  deserted  .'or  that  ver}'  purpose, 
that  I  miglit  not  be  eternally  lorsaken.     If,  with  dis- 
tressed Sion,  I  must  some  time  cry  out,   '  I  he  Lord 
hath  forsaken  and   forgotten  me,'  (Isaiah   xlix,  14.) 
vet  assure  thyself,  O  my  soul,  that  thou  shalt  no  longer 
be  called  the  forsaken  and  hated,    (Isaiah  Ix.  15.)  but 
that,  with  St.  Paul,  thou  wilt  be  able  to  say,  '  1  am 
persecuted,  but  not  forsaken,'  (2  Cor.  iv.  9.)    In  such 


ON"  MOUNT   golcothaI'  29a 

Girciimstances,  may  thy  meritorious  sufFering;s  benefit, 
me.  May  thy  affectionate  exclamation,  ]My  God,  my 
God,  be  ofa  strong:  preservative  against  despondency ; 
so  that  my  heart,  even  in  darkness,  may  wait  the  dawn 
of  thy  heavenly  light.  And  as,  for  my  sake,  then  hast 
descended  so  low,  and  w  ast  plunged  so  deep  in  misery 
tliat  thy  soul  was  forsaken,  and  stripped  of  all  con- 
solatory influences  ;  make  me  willing  to  be  deprived 
of  every  thing  for  thy  sake,  that  I  may  be  found  in 
thee.  With  these  and  the  like  good  thoughts,  a  faith- 
ful Christian  considers  this  last  part  of  our  Saviour's 
sufferings. 

II.   We  come,  in  the  next  place,   to  consider  the 
mockery   of  the   spectators,  at  the  words  which  the 
extreme  anguish  of  the  blessed  Jesus  extorted  from 
him.      '  Some  of  them  who  stood  there,  said,  He  cal- 
leth  for  Elias.'     Here  one  may  he  justly  astonished 
at  the  power  of  darkness,  which  displays  itself  in  this 
deriding  speech.     These  scoffeis  must  certairdy  have 
been  Jews;  since  the  heathens  knew  nothing  of  Klias. 
But  the  Jews,  at  that  time,  had  a  great  many  false  no- 
tions concerning  that  prophet ;  for  they  nnagined  that 
before  the  commg  of  the  Messiah,  he  would  be  sent 
from  heaven,  whither  he  had  been  taken  up  alive;  and 
that  he  would  come  again  upon  the  earih,  and  perforiTi 
several  remarkable  actions.     Now  when  they  hc.^rd 
the  crucified  Jesus  crying  out  in  such  plaintive  uc- 
cents,  -E/f,  EH,  though  they  well  knew  tliat  in  these 
words  of  the  Psalmist,  (Psalm  xxii.  1.)  he  addressed 
himself  to  the  mighty  God  of  heaven,   they   imme- 
diately perverted  his  words,  and  of  Eli,  made  Elias. 
Thus  they  scoflingly  charge  him  with  impkn-ing  the 
assistance  of  that  prophet,  so  eminent  for  his  mira- 
cles ;  nay  they  pretend,  that  in  his  distress  he  departed 
from  the  living  God,  and  placed  his  confidence  in  the 
creature.     Consequently  they  insinuate,  that  he  died 
as  an  idolator,  and  therefore  went  down  to  the  grave 
with  the  curse  of  God  upon  him  ;  it  being  said  b}  ihe 
prophet,  '  Cursed  be;  the  man  that  trusteth  in  man, 


204  cHRiST^s  strppHRif/ca 

and  rn^keth  flesh  his  arm,  and  whose  heart  departeth, 
fronviie  Lord,'  (Jer.  xvii.  5.) 

Alas !  there  must  be  in  the  human  heart  an  un- 
fathomabie  abyss  of  wickedness.  These  impious 
scOilcrs  were,  for  three  hours  successively,  sh  ickied. 
wiih the  bands  of  darkness;  and  had  seen  and  felt 
the  D;yme  displeasure  in  the  extnordinary  miracle, 
wii.-  by  the  iighi  of  the  sun  was  extinguished  :  Yet, 
no  sooner  did  the  light  begin  to  return  ;  scarce  w<5re 
they  recovered  hvom  their  fear  and  consternation,  but 
they  renew  their  former  insolence,  and  make  a  mock 
of  our  blessed  J^aviour's  doleful  cries.  I  tremble  to 
think  that  the  seed  of  such  impiety  lurks  ia  the  human 
heart.  I  see  many  who  have  no  sooner  risen  Irom 
the  bed  of  dec:  th,  and  are  scarce  recovered  from  a  dan- 
gercus  fit  of  sickness,  or  narrowly  escaped  with  thein 
lives  from  some  imminent  danger,  but  they  imme- 
diately return  to  their  drunkenness,  voluptuousness, 
aid  sensuality;  to  their  pride,  deceit,  lying,  mocking, 
and  profane  jesting.  Be  merciliil,  O  my  Saviour,  to 
such  unhappy  men,  concerning  whom  thou  canst  not 
but  complain,  '  I  chastise  them,  but  they  feel  it  not;* 
and  grant  that  thy  judgments,  whether  seen,  heard,  or 
felt,  may  make  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  on  my 
soul ! 

But  O  my  Redeemer,  if  I  should  be  treated  as  thoi^ 
wast  on  the  cross ;  if  insolent  men  should  mock  and 
deride  me,  and  pervert  the  words  of  the  mourntul 
lamentations  which  grief  and  pain  may  extort  from, 
me ;  grant  that  I  may  think  on  thy  patience  and  re- 
signation under  such  sufferings.  Ever  preserve  me 
from  the  impiety  of  adding  to  the  pnins  of  the  afflicted, 
by  mockery  and  derision  ;  on  tlic  contrary,  give  me  a 
tender  and  compassionate  heart,  tbiat  I  may  weep  with 
those  that  weep,  and  sympathise  with  the  distresses 
of  others. 

111.  In  the  third  place,  we  are  to  consider  the  pain- 
ful thirst  which  our  biessed  Lord  endured.  How 
must  the  arrows  of  the  Aimii^hiy  have,  as  it  were, 


0!N    MOUNT  GOLGOTHA.  295 

drank  up  our  Saviour's  blood,  when  he  thus  com- 
phiiiiCd  of  thirst !  How  must  his  soul  have  laboured, 
duiing  the  three  hours  of  darkness,  and  his  body,  al- 
read}  exhausted  by  the  loss  of  so  much  blood,  have 
been  iotally  deprived  of  its  strength,  so  that  his  tongue 
clavcd  to  the  roof  of  his  mouth  ! 

Thanks  be  to  tliee,  O  blessed  Jesus,  who  wast  so 
earnest  in  the  work  of  my  redemption,  as  to  forget 
to  eat  or  drink ;  labouring  in  that  arduous  task,  till 
tliou  wast  quite  spent,  and  all  thy  vital  juices  were 
in  a  manner  exhausted.  By  this  thy  painiul  thirst, 
thou  hast  atoned  for  my  relinquishing  the  fountain  of 
living  waters,  and  delivered  me  from  eternal  thirsl: 
and  want.  Thou  hast  by  thy  sufferine^  opened  a  way 
for  penitent  sinners  into  paradise,  to  the  water  of  life 
which  issues  from  the  throne  of  God,  and  to  the 
rivers  of  heavenly  pleasures. 

But  here  a  pious  soul  may  say,  could  my  Saviour, 
who  was  now  taken  up  in  accomplishing  the  arduous 
work  of  my  redemption,  feel  any  other  thirst  besides 
that  of  his  body  ?  Yes  certainly,  his  soul,  like  a 
hunted  stag,  thirsted  after  the  springs  of  God's  com- 
forts.  It  passionately  longed  to  see  his  enlivening 
countenance,  which  now,  for  a  while,  had  been  as 
it  were  hid  from  him.  Nay,  his  benevolent  soul  also 
thirsted  after  my  soul,  and  its  eternal  salvation.  Hast 
thou,  O  my  Redeemer,  thus  desired  my  happiness? 
How  desirous  should  I  be,  in  return,  of  ihv  grace ! 
Therefore,  as  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water  brooks, 
so  panteth  my  soul  after  thee,  O  God,  (P-.alni  xlii, 
1.)  Kindle  in  me  an  ardent  thirst  after  thy  righteous- 
ness; and,  on  the  other  hand,  quench  and  deaden  in 
me  all  thirst  after  the  pleasures  of  the  world,  after 
its  honours  and  riches.  For  amidst  all  these,  one  is 
.like  a  thirsty  mui,  who  dreameth,  and,  as  the  pro- 
phet says,  *  behold  he  drinketh  ;  but  he  awaketh,  and 
behold  he  is  faint,'  (Isaiah  xxix.  8.)  Give  me  to 
drink  of  the  water  which  ■  -^ou  freely  givest  to  the 
tliirsty  ;  and  at  last^  O  my  ^av  i-jur,  lead  me  to  those 


296  Christ's   suriEuiyGS 

fountains    of  livin.o;  waters,  where   thy   saints  ^hall 
thirst  no  more,  (Rev.  vii.  15,    17.) 

Lastly,  \\^hen  a  pious  Christian  farther  considers^ 
that  the  Lord  Jesus  publicly  made  known  his  thirst 
that  the  Scripture  niiglTt  be  fulfilled  ;  it  being  express- 
ly said  by  the  Evangelist,  that  he  cried  out,  '  I  thirst ;' 
he  admn-es  tlie  reverence  which  the  eternal  wokd  of 
God  expressed  for  the  written  Word  of  God.  Jesus 
well  knew,  that  tiiis  declaration  of  his  thirst  would 
drav/  on  him  a  fresh  insult ;  yet  he  was  far  from  de- 
clining any  additional  suifcring,  that  the  Scripture 
might  be  fulfilled,  and  that  the  truth  of  it  might  be 
confirmed  by  a  new  seaL  O  preserve  me  from  un- 
der\"aluing  the  Word  of  the  living  God,  or  contemp- 
tuously using  it  as  a  dead  letter !  Grant  that  I  may 
rather  honour  it  as  the  voice  of  the  Supreme  Majesty 
of  heaven,  and  choose  it  for  the  rule  of  my  faith  and 
practice ;  and  that  I  may  be  willing  to  suffer  any 
thing,  that  the  Scripture  may  be  fulfilled  in  me. 
*For  they  that  will  live  Godly  in  Christ  Jesus,  shall 
sufler  persecution,'  (2  Tim.   iii.  12.) 

IV.  \Ve  come,  in  the  fourth  place,  to  consider 
the  insult  offered  to  our  blessed  Lord,  by  giving  him 
vinegar  to  drink.  For  when  the  soldiers  heard  the 
languishing  Jesus  complain  of  thirst,  they  filled  a 
spunge  with  vinegar  [which  was  in  a  vessel  at  hand, 
as  it  was  at  that  age  the  common  drink  for  soldiers,} 
and  put  it  on  a  reed,  or,  according  to  St.  John,  a 
stalk  cut  from  a  large  hyssop  shrub,  and  held  it  up 
to  his  dr\  and  parclied  lips  by  way  of  derision,  instead 
of  a  cordial  to  support  his  drooping  spirits. 

Here  a  devout  soul  is  amazed,  on  the  one  handj 
at  the  obduracy  and  barbarity  of  the  human  hearty 
and  that  tiicse  wicked  men  should  be  so  utterly  void 
of  humanity  and  compassion;  and,  on  the  other 
hand,  at  the  greatness  of  our  Saviour's  love  to  man- 
kind, who  cndiux'd  all  this  for  our  sake.  Our  bles- 
sed Saviour,  by  this  circumstance  of  his  passion, 
alsofuHiUed  the  Scrijiture,  which  he  himself  inspired; 


OU   MOUNT  OOLGOTHA.'  297 

where  he  appoints  this  kind  of  sufferinf^  for  himself, 
and  says  by  the  mouth  of  the  Psahiiist,  '  In  my  tliirst 
they  gave  me  vinegar  to  drink,'  (Psahn  Ixix.  21. )  He 
likewise  confirmed  his  own  words  to  his  disciples ; 
*I  will  not  drink  henceforth  of  the  fruit  of  the  vine,' 
(Matt.  xxvi.  29.)  O  dearest  Redeemer,  thanks  be 
to  thee  for  thine  inconceivable  love  !  Every  thinp; 
which  was  transacted  on  the  cross,  was  done  for  my 
good.  It  was  out  of  love  to  me,  that  thou  v/ast 
thirsty  ;  it  was  out  of  love  to  my  soul,  that  thou  didst 
drink.  Grant,  that  when  thou  thirsteth  in  thy  poor 
members,  I  may  relieve  and  comfort  them,  not  v.  itii 
vinegar,  but  to  the  best  of  my  power.  But  if  uw. 
world  should  give  me  a  disagreeable  sour  potion  iu 
my  distress,  may  it  be  sweetened  by  the  memory  oi 
thy  love  and  patience  ! 

But  the  astonishment  of  a  pious  Christian  will  yet 
encrease,  when  he  calls  to  mind  that  the  Jews,  who 
stood  about  the  cross,  still  mocked  thee,  our  dear  Re- 
deemer! For  while  the  soldier  was  pressing- the  spunge 
filled  with  vinegar  to  his  sacred  mouth,  they  calkd 
out  in  a  deriding  manner,  '  Let  him  be  ;  let  us  see 
whether  Elias  will  come  to  save  him!'  According  lo 
St.  Mark's  account,  the  inhuman  soldier  likewise 
joined  in  the  mockery,  [n  these  words  the  spirit  of 
reviling  had  inserted  his  venomous  sting;  for  by  this 
the  Jews  intimated,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  was  a  false 
Messiah  ;  who,  since  no  body  acknowledged  him  on 
the  cross,  expressed  a  desire  that  Elias  v/ould  come 
and  perform  a  miracle,  by  taking  him  down  from  the 
cross,  and  by  that  means  declare  and  constitute  him 
the  Messiah.  O  my  Svaviour  !  must  then  all  the 
waves  and  storms  of  affliction,  with  combined  impetu- 
osity, pass  over  thee  in  the  last  moments  of  thy  life? 
Has  it  cost  thee  so  dear  to  open  the  consolatory  spring 
of  life  to  me,  a  wretched  worm,  that  my  fainting  soul 
may  be  refreshed  Mith  goodness  and  mercy  ?  Eternal 
thanks  be  to  thcc  for  such  transcendent  love  !  Grant 
th..t  I  may  readily  detci-mine  to  bear  the  mo.^.t  disagrec- 

VOL.  II.  p  p 


'2' 8  Christ's  suPFERiNcs 

able  sensations,  :n  followino  thf  e ;  and  not  thint  it 
stnsnge  that  the  world  should  tmbitterany  cordial  it 
offers  me,  and,  under  the  show  of  a  kind  office,  ?:>h(  uld 
grieve  my  sf)ul  with  mockeries  and  insults.  O  pre- 
serve me  in  the  hour  of  sufferinj^,  and  grant  that  1  nyxy 
not  turn  my  coiilidencc  from  God  to  the  crtaturib! 
Though  the  world  slander  and  revile  me,  I  will  wrap 
myself  in  silence,  and  refer  the  manifestation  of  my 
innocence  to  thee. 

V.  Liisi  iy,  All  diese  suiferings  of  our  Saviour  were 
succeeded  by  the  separation  of  his  soul  and  body,  by* 
a  blessed,  but  torturing  death.  After  Jesus  had  re- 
'  ceived  the  vinegar,  nothing  further  remained  to  be 
transacted  or  sulfered  on  the  cross.  He  had  now  drunk 
off  the  cup  of  sufferings ;  the  h\v  was  fulfilled  ;  sin 
was  sealed  up,  the  guilt  of  it  atoned  for,  and  the 
punishment   endured. 

O  the  joy  of  a  faithful  soul,  at  hearing  his  Saviour 
cry  o'jt,  '  It  is  finished  !'  Ever  praised  be  thy  name, 
Q  my  God,  that  I  have  a  complete  Mediator,  '  who, 
by  offerir.g  one  great  sacrifice,  hath  perfected  forever 
all  those  that  are  sanctified,'  (Heh.  x.  14.)  There- 
fore, O  ihou  Alpha  and  Omega,  I  will  in  fiith  em- 
brace thee,  the  great  author  and  finisher  of  my  faith. 
Thou  hast  finished  whatever  appertained  to  my  re- 
demption ;  this  thy  meritorious  work  I  will  produce 
at  the  Divin?  tribunal,  and  with  it  cover  the  defects  of 
my  imj)erfect  obedience.  Grant,  O  my  Saviour,  that 
the  work  of  grace  may  be  also  finished  in  me.  Give 
me  not  oiily  to  will  and  believe ;  but  likewise  to  do 
aiid  accori(ij)lish  what  thou  commandest,  according  to 
thy  good  pleasure  ;  and  grant  that  I  may  keep  the 
faith,  and  at  last  obtain  the  crown  of  righteousness. 

And  now  our  blessed  Redeemer  prepares  himself 
for  death.  Here  tlic  pious  soul  w^onders  at  the  resig- 
nation, whiich  his  Saviour  displays  at  the  hour  of  death. 
The  evangelical  history  informs  us,  that  he  again  cried 
with  a  loud  voice,  and  said,  '  Father,  into  thy  hands  I 
commend  my  spirit ;  and  haying  said  this,  he  bowed 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA,'  299 

his  head,  and  gave  up  the  ghost.'  Here  wo  may  rc- 
cojlect  a  tbrn icr  saying'  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  namely. 
*  No  iTiiin  talsc  tlj  my  life  from  mc  ;  but  I  lay  it  down 
of  myself,'  (John  x.  18.)  He  delivered  up  his  soul  as 
a  precious  plc<lge  iRf,o  the  hands  of  his  Father,  from 
whom,  I  e  knew,  he  should  again  receive  it  on  the  third 
day.  Thanks  be  to  diee,  O  Saviour,  says  the  pious 
soul,  for  entering  so  willingly  on  death.  Thanks  be 
to  thee,  that  with  thy  soul  thou  hast  also  recommended 
my  soul  into  the  hands  of  the  Fatlier.  O  my  Saviour, 
extirpate  from  my  heart  all  fear  of  death  ;  and  let  thy 
willingness  to  die  also  work  in  me  a  willing  desire  to 
depart,  and  to  be  v.  icli  thee. 

But  this  loud  cry,  with  which  our  Saviour  gave  up 
the  gho -t,  probably  proceeded  from  extreme  pain  .\\d 
agony.      The  death  which  he  sufFcred  was  quite  dif- 
ferent from  that  of  his  followers.     Death,  m  lien  it  at- 
tacked him,  was  not  divested  ol  its  sharp  sting,  u'hich 
the    Mediator   was  severely  to  fet-l.     The   puins  of 
death  came  on  him,  as  the  pains  of  birth  on  a  woman 
in  travail.     He  was  to  taste  of  death  in  all  its  l^itttr- 
ness  ;  and  by  that  means,  to  extmct  its  stiiig  and  dis- 
arm it,   (1  Cor.  XV.  55.)  so  that  it  might  be  changed 
into  a  tranquil  sleep  to  believers.     'Jhanks  be  to  thee,  i 
O  my  Saviour,  who  by  thy  death  hast  taken  away  the  | 
power  of  death,  and  hast  divested  him  of  his  sting,  so  ' 
that  I  need  no  more  be  afraid  of  it.     Ma}'  thy  last 
words  be  my  light,  when  death  shall  opnnss  my  soijl 
with  gloom.y  hDvrors  !     O  eternal  Word,  let  thj.  lou^l 
cr\  speak  for  me,  when  my  power  of  speech  shall  tail ; 
and  may  I  in  my  death  enjoy  the  fruit  of  thy  victory 
over  death  ;   so  that  e^■en  the  last  shout  of  thy  hosi 
with  which  tliou  shalt  come  to  judgment,  instead  of 
terror,  may  be  a  sound  of  joy  and  exultation  to  me. 

THE    TRAYLll. 

Lord  Jesus,  bless  to  our  souls  this  Consideratian 
of : 'iy  list  sufferings  ;  and  grant  tliat  it  may  ie;ive  on 
our  hearts  a  holy  aijd  lasting  impression.     Msy  these 


500  Christ's  sufferings 

hr  urs  of  study  be  so  profitabl}'  spent,  that  I  may  feel 
the  benefit  of  them  at  my  death,  and  praise  thee  for 
them  in  eternity.  Grant  this,  O  Lord,  for  the  sake 
of  thy  death  and  passion.    Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  IX. 

THE   LASl*  HOURS   OF    THE   LORD  JESUS. 

*  IN  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust,  let  me  never 
be  ashraned  :   Deliver  me  in  thy  righteousness  ;  bow 
down  tliine  ear  to  me,  and  deliver  me  speedily  :  Be 
thou  my  strong  rock,  for  an  house  of  defence  to  save 
me.     For  thou  art  my  rock,  and  my  fortress  ;  there- 
fore,  for  thy  name's  sake,  lead  me  and  guide  me. 
Pull  me  out  of  the  net  that  they  have  laid  privily  for 
me  :  Thou  art  my  strength.     Into  thine  hand  I  com- 
mend my  spirit :   Thou  hast  redeemed  me,  O  Lord 
God  of  truth.     I  have  hated  those  that  regard  lying 
vanities  ;   but  I  trust  in  the  Lord.     I  will  be  glad,  and 
rejoice  in  thy  mercy ;  for  thou  hast  considered  my 
trouble  :   Thou  hast  known  my  soul  in  adversities, 
and  hast  not  shut  me  up  in  the  hand  of  the  enemy  ; 
thou  hast  set  mv  feet  in  a  lai'ge  room,'  (Psalm  xxx. 
1-9.) 

1  he  fifth  verse  of  this  Psalm,  namely,  *  Into  thy 
hand  I  commend  my  spirit,'  are  to  be  considered  as 
the  key  to  lead  us  into  the  right  sense  of  the  text ;  and 
from  these  words  an  aUenti\'e  mind  may  easily  infer, 
that  this  part  of  the  Ps'-'lm  treats  of  our  ever  glorious 
Redeemer,  tlu  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  For  as  he  appro- 
priates to  himself  the  twenty-second  Psalm,  by  bor- 
rowing from  it  these  words  which  he  bpoke  on  the 
cross,  '  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken 
me  ;'  so  has  he  likewise  appropriated  to  himself  this 
Psalm,  by  saying,  '  Fatlier,  into  thy  hands  I  commend 
my  Spirit.'     Plence  we  may  conclude,  that  Christ  is 


Hours  signify  devotion. 


ON     MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  501 

introduced  speaking  here  ;  who  in  the  first  verse  of 
this  Psalm  says,  '  In  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust, 
let  me  never  be  ashamed:  DtUver  me  in  thy  righteous- 
ness, Sec.'    In  these  words  the  suffering  Jesus  speaks; 
who,  in  the  last  moments  of  his  life,  here  enters  on  a 
new  pathetic  discourse  with  his  Father,  and  at  lengdi 
cives  up  the  Ghost,  in  assurance  of  a  joylul  resurrec- 
tion.    In  this  manner  the  last  moments  of  the  cruci- 
fied Jesus  are  here  described,  \\  hich  we  shall  consider 
as  an  edifying  pattern  of  the    last  hours  of  a  dying 
Christian.     In  the  consideration  of  this  subject,  we 
shall  shew% 

First,    How  the  Lord  Jesus  behaved  in  his  last 
hours. 

Secondly,  How  a  dying  Christian  is  to  behave  in 
his  last  hours,  and  prepare  for  his  approaching  death. 
I.  As  to  the  account  of  Christ's  last  hours,  as  pre- 
figured in  this  Psalm,  it  contains. 
First,  His  last  supplication. 
Secondly,  His  last  ejaculation. 
First,  In  his  last  prayer,  which   is  comprehended 
in  the  first  four  verses  of  this  Psalm,  he  calls  on  God 
for  a  happy  issue  of  ti.e  work    of  redemption,   and 
places  his  confidence  in  his  heavenly  Father,  saying, 
*  In  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust.' 

In  these  words  he  reminds  his  Fiithcr,  that,  hither- 
to in  all  the  storms  with  which  his  human  nature  had 
been  assaulted,  he  had  made  him  his  sole  refuge,  and 
firmly  trusted  that  he  would  deliver  him  from  anguish 
and  death,  and  at  length  eminently  manifest  his  glory. 
And  as  now  in   the  last  moments  of  his  life,  even 
whilst  the   scoffers  are  crying  out,   *  He   trusted  in 
God,  let  him  deliver  him  now,  if  he  will  have  him,'' 
he  persisted  unshaken  in  this  confidence ;  so  that  his 
heavenly  Father  could  not  but  lend  a  gracious  car  to 
the  last  prayer,  which  he  was  now  going  to  offer  up 
to  him.     On    this    follow    the  dying    Redeemer's 
petitiojis  as  contained  hi  this  Psalm. 


302  Christ's  surrERiNcs 

The  first  petirion  in  this  prayer  is,  ^  Let   me  be 
never  fishamed.'     The  Son  of  God,  in  order  toglo-' 
rii\  his  F:  ther,  had  delivered  himself  up  to  reproach 
and  infamy.     Ht;  had  suffered  himself,  the  uighi  be- , 
fore,  to  be  apprehended  as  a  murderer  and  a  rtbel, 
and  to  be  st  Jitenced  to  death  as  a  blasphemer.     Now, 
he  hangs  exposed  and  naked  on  an  accursed  cross, 
as  the  vilest  of  malefactors,  and  is  insulted  b}  all 
ranks  of  people.     Therefore,  he  had  before  Siiid  to 
his  Father  in  another  Psalm,  (Psalm  Ixix.  7.)    '  For 
thy  sake  I  have  borne  reproach:  Shiime  hath  covered 
my  face.'     But  in  these  words  he  properly  deprecates 
eternal  shame  and  confusion,  and  prays,  that  in  this 
liour  of  darkness,  the   Fctther  would   not  wididravv 
his  hand  from  him,  nor  give  him  up  to  eternal  re- 
proach ;  but  that  by  death  he  would  put  an  end  ro 
the  raging  waves  of  abuse  and  insults,  wifh  which 
he  had  hitherto  been  covered  ;  that  he  would  glorify 
3iim  again  after  all  this  mockery  and  reproach;  and 
that  he  would  brins:  him  forth  acrain  with  honour  from 
the  grave,  and  so  manifest  his   hmocence,  that  they, 
"who  should  believe  in  him  might  not  i>e  confounded 
in  their  hope  ;   which  would  ineviti:;bly  be  the  case, 
if  he,  the  Ciiptain  of  their  salvation,  should  continue 
in  the  grave,  and  be  overcome  by  death.     Thus  he 
also  prays  in  the  sixty-ninth  Psalm  :  (verse  6.)  'Let 
not  them  that  wait  on  thee,  O  Lord  God  of  Hosts, 
be  ashamed  for  my  sake ;  let  not  those  that  seek  thee 
be  confounded  for  my  sake,  O  God  of  Israel.' 

The  second  petition  in  this  prayer  is  :  '  Deliver 
me,  [namely,  from  everlasting  reproach  and  the 
bands  of  death]  in  thy  righteousness.' 

Oiir  MedL.  or,  bv  his  manifold  sufferings,  which 
were  soon  to  terminate  in  death,  had  appeased  the 
Divine  justice,  and  made  satisfaction  to  it  for  the 
sins  of  mankind.  Therefore  he  might,  with  comfort, 
now  appeal  to  God's  righteousness  or  justice;  and 
require,  that  it  would  deliver  him  from  reproach, 
justify  him  by  the  resurrection;  and,  as  it  were,  give 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  303 

him  his  dischirge  lor  the  ransom  he  had  paid,  by 
declaring-  him  for  ever  free  from  all  farther  claims  and 
demands.  Hence  he  says,  '  Deliver  me  in  thy  riyh- 
teousncss,'  or  as  it  is  in  another  Psalm,  (Psalm  xxxv. 
•24.)  '  Judge  me,  O  Lord  my  God,  according  to  thy 
righteonsness.' 

The  third  petition  in  the  text  is,  '  Bow  down  thy 
ear  to  mt.'  Hitherto  God,  as  a  just  JuJge,  hud  us 
it  were  turned  a.^ide  his  ear  from  our  Suvioiir,  w'lih- 
out  attending  to  his  doleful  lamentation  :  Hence  he 
compliins  in  another  Pbulm,  (Psalm  xxii.  2,  3.)  'O 
my  God,  1  cr\  in  the  day  time,  but  thou  liearest 
not;  and  in  the  night  season,  and  am  not  silent.'  But 
now,  he  p>rays,  that  before  the  period  of  his  life,  his 
Father  would  favour  him  with  one  gracious  look ; 
and  lully  assure  him  that  the  prayer,  which  the  great 
High  Priest  offered  up  for  himself  and  all  v/ho  should 
believe  in  his  name,  with  strong  crying  and  tears, 
might  be  heard.  Being  at  this  instant  descended  to 
the  lowest  degree  of  abasement,  he  prays  that  the 
Father  would  incline  down  his  ear  to  him;  and,  as 
the  close  of  his  life  drew  near,  he  intreats  him  that 
he  would  '  deliver  him  speedily,'  as  it  is  in  the  text. 

The  fourth  petition  in  the  text  is,  '  Be  thou  my 
strong  rock,  for  an  house  of  defence,  [a  fortified,  im- 
pregnable place]  to  save  me.'  Our  Redeemer,  in 
his  sufferings,  was  given  up  by  his  Father  to  his 
inveterate  ei^.emies.  All  the  powers  of  darkness  dis- 
charged their  fury  on  his  soul ;  and  many  scurrilous 
tongues  with  combined  malice  cried  out,  while  he 
was  hanging  on  the  cross,  '  He  saved  others,  him- 
self he  cannot  save.'  The  soldiers  called  out,  ^It 
thou  be  the  King  of  the  Jews,  save  thyself.'  Even 
one  of  the  crucified  malefactors  joined  in  the  crv,  and 
said,  '■  If  thoti  be  Christ  or  the  Mcssiiih,  sa^•e  thj  seif 
and  us.'  His  confidence  in  God's  assistance  being 
ihus  assaulted,  he  prays,   '  Save  me,'  that  the  slanders 


o,(>4  Christ's  suffeuings 

of  mine  enemiey,  who  say  that  my  soul  is  to  expect 
no  help  from  thee,  may  be  confuted  by  real  fact.  And 
as  our  Saviour  was  now  destitute  of  all  human  and 
angelic  protection,  and  exposed  naked  and  defenceless 
to  all  the  assaults  of  his  enemies,  he  prays  that  his 
heavenly  Father  would  be  his  rock  and  fortress  ;  thit 
he  would  raise  him  up,  bring  him  into  safety,  and 
deliver  him  from  all  future  assauhs  of  death  and  hell. 
But  to  avoid  any  appearance  of  complaint  against  his 
Father,  as  if  he  had  been  wanting  to  shew  himself  his 
rock  and  fortress,  he  subjoins,  '  For  thou  art  my  rock 
and  my  fortress,'  and  hast  hitherto  constantly  shewed 
thyself  such  :  Be  pleased  tarther  to  continue  my  strong 
rock  until  the  end  of  my  life,  which  now  approaches. 
With  this  we  may  compare  the  Messiah's  effusions  of 
gratitude,  as  they  are  expressed  in  another  Psalm  (Psalm 
xviii.  1,  2.)  'I  will  love  thee,  O  Lord,  my  strength ! 
The  Lord  is  my  rock,  and  my  fortress,  and  my  deliver- 
er :  My  God,  my  strength,  in  whom  I  will  trust ;  my 
buckler,  and  the  horn  of  my  salvation,  and  my  high 
tower.' 

The  fifth  petition  of  this  prayer  is,  'For  thy  name's 
sake,  lead  me  and  guide  me.'  He  now  drew  near  to 
the  end  of  his  toilsome  journey,  when  a  sadden  dark- 
ness and  night  came  upon  him.  Not  only  the  natural 
Sun  withheld  its  light  at  the  Divine  command,  so 
that  horrid  darkness  obscured  the  ^vhole  country  for 
three  hours;  but  the  light  of  comfort  and  joy  was,  as 
it  were,  eclipsed  in  his  oppressed  soul ;  and  now  he 
was  immediately  to  enter  into  the  gloomy  valley  of 
the  shadow  of  death.  He  therefore  supplicates  his 
Father,  that  he  would  guide  him,  as  the  shepherd  does 
his  sheep,  and  conduct  him  to  the  happy  end  of  his 
tedious,  painful  journey.  This  he  requests  of  God 
for  his  name's  sake;  in  the  glorifying  of  which  he  had 
hitherto  been  occupied  in  the  work  of  reconciliation, 
and  whose  honour  was  inseparably  interwoven  with 
the  hiippy  issue  of  this  arduous  work.  Hence  he  Siiys 
(John  xvii.  4,  5,  6.) '  I  have  glorified  thee  on  earth ;  I 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  305 

have  finished  the  work  which  thou  gavest  me  to  do. 
I  have  manifested  thy  name  unto  men  ;  and  now,  O 
Father,  glorify  thou  me  ! ' 

Lastly,  The  sixth  petition  in  the  text  runs  thus  : 
*Puli  me  out  of  the  net  that  they  have  laid  privily  for 
me  :  Thou  art  my  streno:th.'  The  sufferings  of  the 
Messiah  are  frequently  compared  in  the  Psalms  to  a 
chased  deer,  and  his  enemies  to  furious  hunters,  who, 
by  their  lies  and  slanders,  had  spread  their  net  to  catch 
him,  and  pleased  themselves  with  this  conclusion,  viz. 
When  once  he  is  hunted  down  he  will  never  rise 
again.  Hence  the  Messiah  is  represented  complain- 
ing, '  Without  cause  they  have  hid  for  me  tiieir  net 
in  a  pit  which,  without  cause,  they  have  digged  for  my 
soul',  (Psalm  xxxv.  7.)  Now  this  net  was  that  horri- 
ble accusation  alleged  by  the  Jews,  That  he  had  blas- 
phemed God.  This  net,  his  judges  as  it  were  com- 
bined to  throw  over  him,  by  sentencing  him  to  die  as 
a  blasphemer,  in  these  words:  'He  is  worthy  of  death.' 
Therefore,  he  now  intreats  his  Father  to  jiluck  hini. 
out  of  the  net,  i.  e.  to  manifest  to  all  the  woild,  that 
he  is  now  no  blasphemer ;  but  that  he  had  alwaj^s 
honoured  his  Father,  and  dedicated  his  whole  life  to 
his  giory  ;  and  that  all  the  crimes,  for  which  he  was 
indicted  in  the  spiritual  and  temporal  courts  of  the 
Jews  and  Gentiles,  were  mere  falsities  and  calumnies. 
To  this  petition  he  adds  his  motive  for  trusting  in, 
and  praying  to,  his  Father :  '  For  thou  art  my 
strength  ;'  thou  hast  strength  and  power  to  tea'  thii. 
net  in  pieces  and  deliver  me  out  of  it. 

These  are  the  six  important  petitions  vv'hich,  it  may 
be  supposed,  tlie  dying  Messiah  sent  up  to  his  Fat.her 
in  the  last  moments  of  his  life.  But  here  he  does  not 
at  all  pray  to  be  excused  from  death ;  bu'.  that  the 
Father  would  so  direct  the  circumstances  of  v,  that 
his  innocence  may  be  manifested,  and  his  Father's 
name  glorified. 

Secondly,  To  these  last  petitions  nov/  succeeded 
the  last  ejaculation  or  recommendatory  prayer,  witti 

VOL.  II.  (^q 


308  c]iiiist''s  supferinss 

which  our  blessed  Saviour  concluded  his  life  on  the 
cross.     It  contains, 

1.  A  calm  resignation  of  his  soul  into  his  Father's 
hands. 

2.  A  joyful  confidence  and  assurance  of  his  subse- 
quent exaltation. 

1.  The  cahii  resignation  of  his  soul  into  his  Father's 
hands  is  expressed  in  these  words  :  '  Into  thy  hands 
I  commend  my  sj)irit.'  Our  blessed  Lord  had  the 
power  of  laying- down  his  life,  or  soul,  (1  John  x.  18.) 
But  he  knew  of  no  better  and  safer  place  to  deposit 
it  than .  in  the  hands  of  his  dear  Father,  i.  e.  under 
his  gracious  and  Alm'fghty  protection,  who  has  a 
tender  care  for  all  his  children,  and  particuiariy  for 
his  only  b(  gotten  Son.  To  the  care  and  protection 
of  liis  Father  he  recommends  his  harrassed  spitit, 
which  hitherto  had  laboured  and  conflicted  for  the 
salvation  oi  mankind.  This  is  a  jewel  of  inesti- 
mable worth,  he  deposits  in  the  hands  of  God,  in 
the  certain  hojie  of  receiving  it  again  on  the  third 
day,  and  re- uniting  it  with  his  glorified  body. 

But  oui'  dying  Saviour,  accoiding  to  the  text  in  the 
Psalm,  subjoins  the  motives,  which  induces  him  to 
deliver  up  his  soul  into  the  faithful  hands  of  his  Father; 
and  these  aj  e  derived  partly  from  God,  and  partly 
from  our  Redeemer  himself. 

The  motive,  on  God's  side,  was  his  faithfulness, 
which  Jesus  had  so  richly  experienced  during  his 
^vhoie  life.  Hence  he  says,  '  Thou  hast  redeemed 
me,'  [from  all  distress  which  ever  befel  me  in  my 
whole  life,  and  hast  promised  to  raise  me  from  death 
and  glorify  me.]  'O  Lord,  thou  God  of  truth  1' 
Thou  wilt  Uifallibly  fulfil  thy  promise  ;  for  thou  hast 
said,  '  When  thou  slialt  make  his  soul  an  oflPering  for 
sin,  he  shall  see  his  seed  ;  he  shall  prolong  his  days ; 
and  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand. 
He  shall  sc  e  oi'  tliC  travail  of  his  soul,  and  shall  be  sa- 
tisfied :  By  his  knowledge  shall  my  righteous  ser- 
vant justify  many;  for  he  shall  bear  theiriniquities. 


«N    MOUNT     GOLGOTHA,  307 

Therefore  will  I  divide  Liim  a  portion  with  the  great, 
and  he  shall  divide  the  spoil  with  the  strong  ;  because 
he  has  poured  out  his  soul  unto  death  :  And  he  wns 
numbered  with  the  transgressors;  and  he  b.ire  the 
sins  of  many,  and  made  intercession  for  the  trans- 
gressors/ (Isaiah  liii.  10,  11,  12.) 

The  motive  derived  from  our  Redeemer  himself, 
for  giving  up  his  soul  into  the  hands  of  God,  was  his 
good  conscience.  For  he  was  sensible  that  in  his 
heart  he  had  never  departed  from^  God,  never  sided 
with  his  enemies  ;  but,  as  a  true  servant  of  God,  and 
an  obedient  Son,  had  performed  the  whole  Vv'ill  of  his 
heavenly  Father.  Hence  he  says  in  the  text,  *  I  hate 
them  that  regard  lying  vanities  ;  but  I  trust  in  the 
Lord.'  This  was  literally  true  :  For  the  Lord  Jesus, 
especially  in  his  ministerial  office,  sufficiently  evi- 
denced his  abhorrence  of  the  h  ing  vanilies,  the  erro- 
neous doctrines,  the  false  glosses,  the  traditions,  and 
all  the  corruption  and  superstition  of  the  Jewish  doc- 
tors at  that  time.  Nay,  ht  was  so  far  from  counte- 
nancing them,  that,  aboui  iour  days  before  his  death, 
(M-itt.  xxiii.)  he  had  publicly  reprimanded  and  de- 
nounced several  woes  agjirist  tiiem  for  their  hypo- 
crisy, Sec.  O'.i  the  other  hand,  he  hiid  trusted  in  the 
Lord ;  he  had  always  faithfully  espoused  his  cause, 
and  performed  all  his  will.  Hence  he  could  justly 
say,  '  The  Father  huth  not  left  me  alone  ;  for  I  do  al- 
ways those  things  that  please  him,'  (John  viii.  29.) 
I'herefore,  now  in  the  hour  of  death,  he,  without  any 
apprehension  or  fear,  recommends  his  soul  to  his  pa- 
ternal care  and  almighty  protection. 

2.  The  joyful  confidence  and  assv. ranee  vyhich  our 
Sisvlour  had  of  his  resurrection  and  exaltation  is  thus 
expressed  in  the  text:  '  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  iii 
thy  mercy  ;  for  thou  hast  considered  my  trouble,  hr.' 
From  these  words  we  mav  learn  in  ijeneral,  that  tlic 
soul  of  Jesus  Christ  v/as,  alVr  the  aitiictivc  interval 
of  darkness  and  desertion,  again  irradiated,  comlbrted, 
gladened,     and    perfectly   assured    of    I;is    neaveniy 


^08  Christ's  sufferings 

Father's  love,  even  before  its  departure  from  the  bodj^ 
He  therefore  rejoices  in  the  goodness  and  affection  of 
his  heavenly  Father,  of  which  he  adduces  the  follow- 
ing proofs : 

1.  '  Thou  hast  considered  my  trouble,'  namely, 
with  paternal  compassion,  and  readiness  to  help  me. 

2.  '  Thou  hast  known  my  soul  in  adversities  :'  Or 
thou  knowest  me  under  the  distress  and  anguish  of 
my  soul ;  and  though  I  hang  naked  and  wounded  on 
the  cross  as  a  wretched  worm,  yet  art  thou  not  ashamed 
of  me,  but  ownest  me  for  thy  Son,  and  already  art 
making  preparations  to  glorify  mc. 

3.  'And  hast  not  shut  me  up  in  the  hand  of  the 
enemy.'  And  though  thou  hast  given  me  up  into  the 
hands  of  men,  yet  thou  hast  not  left  me  shut  up  in 
them,  but  hast  taken  me  again  out  of  their  hands  into 
thine  own  ;  and  thus,  at  my  death,  thou  hast  neither 
given  up  my  body  to  the  rage  of  mine  enemies,  nor 
my  soul  to  the  prince  of  darkness. 

4.  '  Thou  hast  set  my  feet  in  a  large  room.'  Thou 
Iiast  delivered  me  from  oppression  and  anguish,  and 
by  the  resurrecti(Mi  hast  placed  me  in  a  state  of  con- 
solation and  jo}',  which  is  here  termed  a  large  room. 

In  all  these  proofs  of  the  Divine  goodness  the  soul 
of  Christ  as  it  were  rejoices,  just  before  its  departure, 
from  ;in  absolute  assurance  that  his  heavenly  Father 
ivould  shew  himself  tender  and  affectionate  to  him, 
even  in  his  death.  Hence  he  says  in  another  Psalm, 
(Psalm  xvi.  9.  10.)  'Therefore  my  heart  is  glad,  and 
my  glory  rejoiceth  :  my  flesh  also  shall  rest  in  hope.' 
For  thou  wilt  not  le^ive  my  soul  in  hell,  neither  wilt 
thou  suli'er  thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption. 

This  is  the  account  of  our  blessed  Saviour's  last 
hours,  and  certainly  the  worth  of  it  is  inestimable. 
For  therein  are  made  known  to  us  the  most  secret 
thougiits  that  passed  in  the  heart  of  our  dying 
Mediator ;  of  which  little  mention  is  made  in  the 
Evangelical  history  of  the  passion,  buc  they  are  fully 
displayed  in  the  passion  Psalms.     For  in  these  Psalms. 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA?  369 

the  Holy  Ghost,  as  it  were,  opens  the  heart  of  our 
Immanuel,  and  gives  us  a  lively  representation  of 
the  most  secret  thoughts  and  motions  which  passed 
in  it  during  his  sufferings.  What  a  delightful  sight ! 
When  in  this  sacred  heart,  now  near  breaking,  nothing 
is  seen  but  a  filial  confidence,  and  sure  trust  in  his 
heavenly  Father.  All  his  agonies  end  in  a  calm 
resignation ;  he  closes  his  life  with  an  aflectionate 
recommendation  of  his  soul  into  his  Father's  hands, 
and  a  joyful  assurance  of  a  glorious  resurrection.  This" 
is  not  the  exit  of  a  makiactor,  or  blasphemer ;  this 
is  dying  like  our  true  Redeemer,  who  is  able  to 
comfort  others  with  the  consolation,  wherewith  he  was 
comforted  in  his  last  hours  ;  who  knows  by  experience 
what  it  is  to  die ;  who  presents  to  God  the  petitions 
of  his  dying  brethren  ;  who  can  have  compassion 
on  the  agonies  of  their  minds;  who  has  prepared 
mansions  for  them  in  his  Father's  house,  whither  he 
before  sent  his  own  departed  spirit ;  and  lastly,  who 
has  even  acquired  for  them  an  assurance,  that  through 
death  they  shall  pass  into  life,  and  go  to  his  Father, 
who  will  deliver  them  from  every  pain  and  every 
sorrow. 

Thus  has  our  blessed  Saviour,  in  the  last  hours  of 
his  life,  borne  witness  of  himself;  thus  has  he  by  his 
irreproachable  behaviour  sanctified  the  last  hours  of 
believers  ;  thus  has  he,  by  his  last  prayers,  procured 
a  hearing  for  their  last  prayers  and  broken  sighs  ;  and, 
in  a  word,  he  has  thus  acquired  for  them  every  thing 
appertaining  to  a  serene  and  joyful  departure  from 
this  world  to  the  heavenly  mansions.  Therefore^ 
ye  who  have  received  grace  to  believe,  imitate  your 
Saviour ;  make  yourselves  betimes  acquainted  with 
this  mighty  conqueror  of  the  fears  of  death,  that  you, 
with  the  like  resignation  and  trust  in  God,  may  enter 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  and  deliver  up  your 
souls  into  your  heavenly  Father's  hands.  But  as  lor 
you  who  are  still  so  unhappy  as  to  be  strangers  to  the 
knowledge  and   love  of  Jesus  Christy  be  persuaded 


310  CHniST's  SUFFERINGS 

betimes  to  give  yourselves  up  soul  and  body  to  his 
reasonable  service ; '  and  ye  shall  find  rest  in  your 
souls,'  (Matt.  xi.  29.}  behold,  how  willint^ly  and 
cheerfuHy  he  entered  on  the  most  painful  death,  out 
oflove  to  your  lost  souls;  that  he  might  acquire  for 
you  the  Divine  mercy,  eternal  life,  and  ever-during 
happiness.  Therefore  enter  into  his  blessed  fellow- 
ship ;  follow  him  as  your  leader  in  his  G>d  like  Ufe, 
that,  in  your  last  hours,  he  may  likewise  be  your 
great  ex  imple. 

II.  From  the  example  given  us  by  our  blessed 
Lord,  we  are  now  to  shew  how  a  dying  Christian  is  to 
behave  in  his  last  hours,  and  moi-e  carefully  prepare 
himself  for  his  approaching  death. 

Let  it  be  carefully  observed,  in  the  first  place,  that 
we  do  not  here  mtend  to  shew  at  large,  how  one  whom 
God  has  suddenly  laid  on  a  death  bed  in  the  midst  of 
his  sins,  and  in  a  state  of  impenitence,  shall  prepare 
hi<nseif  for  death.  For  such  a  wretched  sinner,  the 
example  of  the  penitent  malefactor  would  be  more 
suitable,  than  that  of  our  dying  Saviour,  which  we  are 
at  present  considering.  However,  we  shaii  briefly 
consider  the  case  of  such  an  unhapjjy  person. 

Such  a  wretched  man  standing  on  the  brink  of 
eternity,  and  luving  the  sentence  of  death  in  his  con- 
science ;  who  is  just  closing  his  eyes  in  death,  and 
does  not  find  himself  at  all  prepared  to  die  ;  whose 
heaTi  is  entirely  set  upon  this  world,  and  yet  must 
immediately  leave  it,  add  pass  into  a  world  utterly 
unknown  to  him  ;  who  has  drawn  God's  displeasure 
on  himself  by  innumerable  sins,  and  is  noiV  to  st/.^d 
before  his  awful  tribunal,  and  hear  sentence  passed  on 
him  t  Such  a  wretched  sinner,  I  say,  cannot  better 
employ  the  last  hours  of  his  life,  thaii  in  eiideavouring 
after  a  reconciliation  with  his  Croa  or.  In  order  to 
this,  he  is,  as  far  as  the  violence  of  his  pains,  the  nature 
of  his  distemper,and  the  dread  of  death,  will  permit,  to 
collect  all  the  powers  of  his  mind  ;  to  take  a  retrospect 
<9?  his  whole  life,  and  compare  it  with  the  unerring 


ON   MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.  311 

rule  of  the  word  of  God;  and  to  add  to  this  fervent 
prayersthat  God  would  be  pleased  to  open  his  eyes, 
and,  by  the  light  of  his  grace,  to  give  him  a  true  sight 
of  his  unhappy  situation. 

In  thus  turning  his  thoughts  on  his  past  life,  he  will 
clearly  observe  these  two  particulars  : 

First,  That  he  has  done  none  of  those  things  which 
he  ought  to  have  done,  in  order  to  work  out  his 
salvation. 

Secondly,  That  he  has  committed  innumerable  sins 
of  all  kinds  in  thought,  word,  and  action,  against  God, 
his  neighbour,  and  against  himself. 

On  duly  considering  his  former  behaviour  in  this 
light,  it  will  appear  to  him  to  be  the  greatest  madness, 
aiid  the  most  brutal  stupidity.     He  will  acknowledge, 
that  he  has  acted  contrary  to  the  most  common  rules 
and  maxims  of  sound  reason,  by  despising  the  inex- 
pressible felicity  freely  offered  to  him  in  the  gospel ; 
thaOie  had  suffered  himself  to  be  diverted,  by  die  most 
WT  tchedandtrifling  impediments,  from  the  great  duty 
Oi  ;naking  his  reconciliation  with  God  ;  that  perluips 
for  the  sake  of  petty  woridl}    advantages,  which  now 
must  forever  cease  with  death,  he  has  forfeited  the  real 
and  glorious  possessions  of  a  blessed  eternity  ;  and 
that  for  a  momentary  sinful  lust,  he  has  precipitated 
himself  in  an  abyss  of  torment  and  misery.     In  his 
former  behaviour  he  will  observe  a  dreadful  injustice, 
and  abominable  ingratitude  ;  for  he  has  by  numberless 
crimes  offendc  d  that  God  who  gave  him  his  being,  and 
who  from  time  to  time  has  showered  down  innume- 
rable blessings  on  him  ;  he  his  set  at  nought  his  wor- 
ship, has  not  believed  his  promises,  nor  feared  his  me- 
naces ;  and,  instead  of  making  any  grateful  returns  of 
love  to  such  a    gracious,  bountiful,    and  benevolent 
Being,  he  has  shewed  himself  a  stubborn,  abandoned 
rebel.     When  his  former  behaviour  appears  t'lus  abo- 
minable to  him,  he  must  further  cail  upon  God,  in- 
tre^tting  him  that  he  would  work  in  h.im  a  salutary  re- 
pentance, and  Godly  sorrow,     'i'his  will  inauce  liim 


312  Christ's  suffeiiiiJgs 

to  detest  his  whole  former  conduct ;  sincerely  to  hate* 
rind  abhor  his  sins ;  and  to  be  heartily  sorry  for  his 
base  and  unworthy  behaviour  towards  God,  whose 
goodness  is  infinite,  by  requiting  all  his  love  and  ac- 
cumulated benefits  with  such  unnatural  returns  of  in- 
gratitude. 

But  the  nearer  he  approaches  to  the  last  hour  of 
his  life,  the  more  expeditious  must  he  be,  amidst  the 
most  contrite  sentiments  of  his  unworthiness,  and  of 
his  having  deserved  the  wrath  of  God,  in  applying  to 
the  infinite  liiercx'  of  God  in  Clirist  Jesus  ;  and  for  his 
sake,  he  must  humbly  implore  the  forgiveness  of  all 
his  sins.  He  must,  like  a  dying  malefactor  who  is" 
just  at  the  point  of  execution,  confess  that  he  is  a 
wretched  sinful  worm,  that  deserves  to  be  trodden 
imder  foot,  and  crushed  by  the  Divine  justice;  and 
yet  place  his  confidence  on  the  gracious  promise  of 
God,  by  which  he  has  sworn  by  himself,  that  he  does 
not  desire  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he 
should  be  converted  and  live.  Thus  must  he  perse- 
vere, hungering  and  thirsting  after  mercy,  lamenting 
and  bewailing  his  sins,  and  praying  for  remission  of 
them,  till  faith  proves  victorious  over  the  accusations 
of  conscience,  and  the  terrors  of  hell  and  death ;  and 
till  he  obtains  in  his  soul  some  comfortable  hopes  of 
the  grace  of  God,  and  the  remission  of  his  sins.  Such 
must  be  the  resource  and  behaviour  of  him,  whom 
God  summons  to  die  in  the  midst  of  his  sins. 

Tliat  a  sinner,  who  thus  sincerely  and  heartily  la- 
bours towards  his  conversion  in  his  last  hours,  may  be 
snatched  as  a  brand  out  of  the  fire,  is  not  to  be  doubt- 
ed. But  alas !  how  rare  are  such  examples  of  late 
and  eflectual  repentance  ?  Many  who  never  expe- 
1  ienced  any  thing  of  repentance  or  faith,  who  made 
religion  their  jest  during  their  lives,  die  with  a  le- 
thargic and  insensible  conscience,  that  does  not  once 
disturb  thein  on  account  of  their  past  wicked  lives. 
They  depart  hence  with  blinded  eyes  and  a  more  than 
stoical  apathy,  quite  unconcerned,  to  their  eternal  per- 


ON    MOU.N  1    GOLGOTHA.  ol3 

•iition.  After  death  they  art*  celebrated  by  mercenary 
orators  as  persons  that  died  serenely  and  piously,  in 
the  full  enjoyment  of  their  senses  and  reason,  with- 
out any  delirious  symptoms,  and  in  the  fulness  of  faidi 
in  Christ.  Many  fall  into  the  hands  of  false  comfort- 
ers, who  mistake  the  natural  motions  of  fear  and  i^ricf, 
for  the  work  of  conversion  ;  and  if  the  agonies  of  deadi 
extort  from  them  a  short  prayer  or  a  few  tears,  it  is 
immediately  construed  as  a  sign  of  an  effectual  re- 
pentance, and  they  are  soothed  with  a  false  hope  of 
future  happiness.  But  many  are  so  suddenly  sur- 
prised by  death  in  their  security,  tliat  they  me  re- 
moved from  this  world  to  the  next,  as  it  were,  in  a 
hurricane,  before  they  are  aware  of  their  conclidon. 
Therefore,  O  ye  unwise,  defer  not  your  repentance  to 
such  uncertain  precarious  moments,  as  are  not  in  your 
power  !  How  wise  and  happy  is  he,  wlio  betimes  re- 
gulates the  concerns  of  his  soul,  and  sets  his  house  i-i 
order !  so  that  when  he  comes  to  die,  he  may  have 
nothing  to  do  but,  after  the  example  of  his  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  recommend  his  soul  into  the 
hands  of  his  heavenly  Father. 

But  even  when  a  person,  who  in  the  days  of  healtli 
has  reconciled  himself  with  his  Creator,  and  been  fruit- 
ful in  the  practice  of  good  works,  and  of  faith  which 
worketh  by  love,  is  seized  with  his  last  illness ;  he 
will  likewise  find  it  necessary  to  employ  in  a  Christian 
preparation  for  death  those  remaining  hours,  which 
God  is  pleased  to  favour  him  with. 

Now  what  this  preparation  of  a  dying  Christian  con- 
sists in  cannot  be  better  learned  than  from  the  exam- 
ple of  our  blessed  Sa\iour.  In  this  preparation  of  a 
dying  believer,  a  sincere  conversion  to  God  is  pre- 
supposed to  have  been  already  done  in  the  tinie  of 
health,  the  genuineness  of  vrhich  has  appeared  by  the 
fruits  it  has  produced.  But  in  case  any  mistrustful 
doubts  arise  in  the  minds  of  such  persons  especially 
of  the  weak  and  scrupulous ;  they  must,  before  all 
things,  endeavour  to  remove  ajid  clear  them  up  by  ^ 

VOL.  II.  fi  r 


314  Christ's  surFEiiiNGS 

careful  examination.  It  will  therefore  be  proper  to 
take  II  review  of  the  whole  ground  of  their  hope,  in 
order  to  know  whether  they  have  built  their  house  on 
the  sand,  or  on  an  immoveable  rock.  It  will  be  like- 
wise pr6per  to  examine,  whether  ever  they  had  a  sin- 
cere concern  about  the  favour  of  God,  so  that  they 
could  willingly  forego  all  the  earthly  advantages  of 
this  lile  in  order  to  obtain  it.  It  will  be  proper,  far- 
ther, to  search  their  own  heart,  and  enquire  whether 
tht  y  had  a  real  hatred  and  abhorience  against  every 
siu,  so  that  they  no  longer  complied  with  any  one  sin 
willingly  and  deliberately  ;  and,  even  concerning  the 
common  failings  aixl  weaknesses  which  still  cleave  to 
the  best  of  us,  whether  tliey  have  often  in  private 
humbled  themselves  before  God,  and  been  troubled 
for  noiliini^  so  much  as  a  want  of  fervent  love  to  their 
God  and  Saviour,  who  is  so  worthy  of  ail  our  affec- 
tions. If  we  find  these  tokens  in  us,  we  may  be  suf- 
ficiently convinced  of  the  genuineness  of  our  repent- 
ance, and  the  change  or  our  heart ;  though  we  cannot, 
as  some  pretend,  tell  the  day  and  hour  of  our  con- 
version. 

In  this  case,  it  is  not  necessary  to  renew  the  whole 
conflict  of  repentance,  unless  God,  from  particular  mo- 
tives, leads  the  soul  into  it,  and  brings  it  before  his 
tribunal;  either  on  account  of  its  natural  impurity, 
or  of  particular  bosom  sins,  in  the  mortifying  of  which 
it  has  not  shewn  proper  vigour  and  resolution ;  and 
thus,  as  it  were,  by  a  salutary  fire  purifies  it  from  much 
hidden  dross  and  secret  sins.  Thus  it  sometimes  hap- 
pens that  these  persons,  who  in  their  life  time  had  the 
appearance  of  good  Christians,  have,  on  their  death- 
bed, undergone  severe  conflicts  for  things  which,  in 
tlie  time  of  life,  they  looked  on  as  trifles.  For,  at  that 
important  crisis,  the  accuser  of  mankind  is  industri- 
ous in  bringn^g  forth  every  thing  that  may  annoy  us,' 
and  throws  many  d}ing  persons  into  dreadful  terrors. 

But,  exclusive  of  such  circumstances,  it  is  sufficient 
for  snood  Christians  if^,  ou  their  death- bed?  they  ii> 


''on   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  315 

genertil  sincerely  repent  of  all  the  sins  of  their  whole 
life,  humbly  iicknowledge  their  secret  fciults,  and  seek 
remission  of  them  in  the  blood  of  Christ.  They  oiHi;ht 
also,  where  it  is  necessary,  so  for  to  shew  the  iViiits  of 
their  genuine  repentance,  (if  they  are  conscious  of 
having  given  offence,  or  caused  trouble  to  any  one 
by  some  inadvertent  steps)  as  to  endeavour  to  make 
amends  for  it  by  a  sincere  acknowledgment,  and  ask- 
ing pardon  of  the  party  offended  ;  or  if  they  recollect 
that  any  person,  without  any  blame  on  their  side,  has 
lived  in  enmity  with  them,  to  use  all  possible  means 
for  a  reconciliation,  so  that  before  their  departure, 
their  neighbour  may  thus  be  turned  from  the  error 
of  his  ways. 

True  conversion  to  God  being  pre-supposcd  before 
a  man  is  laid  on  a  sick-bed,  the  preparation  of  a  Chris, 
tian  for  his  approaching  death,  according  to  the  ex- 
ample of  our  Saviour,  consists  cf  these  four  parti- 
culars. 

First,  The  exercise  of  prayer. 

Secondly,  Of  faith. 

Thirdly,  Of  hope,  and 

Fourthly,  Of  an  entire  offering  up  of  the  soul  to 
God. 

First,  In  the  exercise  of  prayer.  Our  blessed  Sa- 
viour began  and  finished  his  last  hours  on  the  cross 
with  prayer.  His  first  words  were,  '  Father,  forgive 
them  ;'  and  his  last  words,  '  Father,  into  thy  hands  I 
commend  my  spirit.'  Therefore  prayer  is  the  chief 
business  of  a  dying  Christian.  He  will  easily  find 
great  abundance  of  matter  for  prayer.  For,  \\  ith  re- 
gard to  what  is  past,  there  will  be  a  necessity  of  hum- 
bly imploring  his  Creator  to  forgive  all  his  sudden 
surprises,  his  numberless  failings,  weaknesses,  and  de- 
fects. He  will  likewise  find  cause  to  thank  the  giver 
of  every  good  gift,  for  all  temporal  and  spiritual  bene- 
fits ;  for  all  deliverances,  encouragenients,  warnings, 
comforts,  and  salutary  chastisements,  that  ha\'e  pro- 
duced the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness^  which  he 


>5 


516  Christ's  sufferings 

is  now  going-  joyfully  to  reap  in  eternity.  As  fo? 
what  is  to  come,  lie  will  have  cause  to  pray  to  God 
partly  for  others,  and  partly  for  himself. 

It  will  behove  him  to  pray  for  those  whom  he  has 
inconsiderately  offended  ;  that  God  will  be  pleased 
to  efface  from  their  minds  the  impression  of  such 
offence.  He  should  pray  for  those  who  have  hated 
and  persecuted  him  without  a  cause  ;  that  God  will 
be  pleased  to  convert  them,  and  forgive  their  tres- 
passes. He  ought  to  pray  for  those  who  in  his  life- 
time have  loved  him,  and  shewed  him  kindness  ;  that 
God  would  reward  them  in  time  and  eternity.  He 
should  pray  for  his  family  and  relations  whom  he 
leaves  behind  in  an  evil  and  perverse  world,  among 
so  many  snares  and  seducements ;  that  God  would 
be  pleased  to  guide,  comfort,  bless,  and  support 
them.  Lastly,  he  should  pray  for  the  whole  church 
militant  on  earth ;  that  its  blessed  head  may  take  it 
under  his  care  and  protection,  and  defend,  enlarge, 
and  succour  it. 

But  for  himself,  he  is  to  pray  according  to  the  sub- 
stance of  our  Saviour's  prayer,  contained  in  the 
Psalm  before  us  ;  according  to  which  a  dying  Chris- 
tian is  to  regulate  his  prayer. 

1.  Does  our  Saviour  in  this  prayer  say,  '  Let  me 
never  be  ashamed;'  so  should  a  Christian  borrow 
these  words  from  him,  and  likewise  pray  to  God, 
that  the  confidence  which  he  has  placed  in  him  may 
not  be  confounded. 

2.  Does  Jesus  Christ  further  pray,  'Deliver  me 
in  thy  righteousness  ;'  so  may  a  dying  Christian  even 
appeal  to  the  Divine  justice,  which  is  now  appeased 
and  satisfied  by  the  blood  of  the  Mediator. 

3.  Does  our  dying  Saviour  say,  '  Bow  down  thine 
ear  speedily  ;'  so  a  dying  Christian,  especially  in 
great  agonies  of  mind  or  violent  pains,  may,  wiili  re- 
signation, pray  for  the  shortening  of  his  sufferin<js^ 
•;nd  for  speedy  succour  from  God. 


ON   MOUNT    G0LC0TRa7  317 

4.  Does  our  dying  Saviour  say,  *  Be  thou  my 
strong  rock,  for  an  house  of  defence  to  save  me  ;'  so 
a  dying  disciple  of  Christ,  seeing  his  death-bed  sur- 
rounded by  so  many  spiritual  enemies,  makes  this 
high  rock  his  refuge  and  house  of  defence,  and  prays 
to  be  admitted  into  it. 

5.  Does  Christ  pray,  saying,  '  For  thy  names* 
sake  lead  me  and  guide  me  ;'  so  may  a  dying  Chris- 
tian call  upon  God,  and  pray  that  he  will  lead  him 
through  the  gloomy  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
and  bring  him  into  the  light  of  a  blessed  eternity. 

6.  Lastly,  has  the  dying  Mediator  said,  '  Pull  me 
out  of  the  net,  that  they  have  laid  privily  for  me,  for 
thou  art  my  strength;'  so  may  a  dying  Christian  re- 
quest the  like  favour  of  his  heavenly  Father.  For,  as  sa- 
tan,  like  an  eager  hunter,  lies  in  wait  for  the  soul  of 
a  dying  person,  watches  every  circumstance,  and 
spreads  before  his  sight  the  net  of  his  former  sins,  the 
remembrance  of  which  he  revives,  and  increases  the 
number  by  many  false  accusations  ;  he  may  likewise 
pray,  that  the  mighty  hand  of  God  would  draw  him 
out  of  his  net. 

But  here  it  may  be  asked.  May  not  a  dying  Chris- 
tain  supplicate  God  for  the  abatement  of  his  bodily 
pains,  for  the  recovery  of  his  health,  and  the  lengthen- 
ing of  his  life  ;  that  he  may  be  a  farther  benefit  to  his 
family,  and  further  endeavour  to  finish  the  work  of 
his  sanctification  ?  To  this  I  answer.  He  may  indeed 
make  such  requests  to  his  Creator,  but  with  an  en- 
tire resignation  to  his  sacred  will ;  and  in  this  he  has 
a  pattern  set  him  by  his  Saviour,  who  in  his  praj  er 
on  the  Mount  of  Olives,  said,  *Not  my  will,  iDut 
thine  be  done.' 

Secondly,  Such  a  preparation  for  death  requires  the 
exercise  of  faith.  Our  blessed  Saviour,  in  the  next 
place,  thus  begins  his  last  prayer  :  '  In  thee,  O  Lord, 
do  I  put  my  trust.'  This  filial  confidence  and  faith 
in  God  he  retained  to  the  last  moment  of  his  life. 
Thus  must  a  dying  Christain  fir&t  lay  hold  of  the 


ZIS  Christ's  sufferings 

shield  of  faith,  that  he  may  tljereby  quench  the  fiery 
darts  of  the  wicked.  This  shield  must  be  held  up 
against  all  the  charges  and  accusations  of  satan,  with 
which  he,  at  that  time,  endeavours  to  testify  the  con- 
science. 

A  believer  may  therefore  express  himself  in  this 
confidential  manner  :  "  The  devil  has  no  power  over 
me ;  it  is  against  Thee  only  that  I  have  sinned,  O 
thou  that  pardonest  iniquity  !  What  mean  these  proud 
claims  of  satan  ?  It  is  not  he  that  can  prescribe  laws 
to  me  ;  he  has  no  share  in  those  whom  thou,  O  Lord, 
dost  love :  Depart  from  me  thou  accursed  spirit,  I 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord's.  O  blessed  Jesus,  I  ara 
thy  property ;  witness  thy  blood,  that  thou  hast  re- 
deemed me  from  sin  !  What  then  can  these  assaults 
of  satan  mean?  Why  does  he  threaten  me  with  the 
terrors  of  the  Divine  wrath  at  the  tribinial  of  God? 
Come  therefore,  and  assert  the  honour  of  thy  meri- 
torious passion :  And  since  thou  hast  so  dearly  pur- 
chased me,  I  may  rest  assured  that  thou  wilt  not  de- 
liver me  into  the  hands  of  an  accursed  enemy.  No, 
my  dearest  Saviour ;  I  know  that  I  am  thine  unalien- 
nble  portion  ;  and  therefore  I  smile  at  all  distress  and 
violence.  Though  the  thunders  of  the  law,  of  hell,, 
and  of  death,  roar  against  me,  and  dieir  feeble  light- 
nings flash  about  me,  I  know  no  fear.  In  life  I  am 
thine,  and  shall  continue  under  thy  protection  after 
death."  This  is  the  language  of  faith  against  the  ac^ 
cusation  of  satan  at  the  hour  of  death. 

This  shield  of  faith  must  likewise  i^e  opposed  to 
the  terrors  of  deadi,  that  the  belie\'er  may  be  able 
thus  boldly  to  express  himself:  ''  To  otiiers,  death 
may  seem  the  king  of  terrors,  but  to  me  he  wears  a 
milder  aspect ;  for  O  thou  most  precious  fountain  of 
life,  who  forsake st  none  who  come  unto  thee  !  in  thee 
I  rest  soul,  body,  and  spirit.  WIio  would  be  terri- 
fied when  he  is  arrived  at  the  end  of  his  journc}',  and 
finds  himself  safe,  after  passing  through  roads  beset 
with  robbers  and  assassins  ?  I   therefore  leave  this 


«N   MOUNT   COLGOTIfA.  318> 

gloomy  wildeiness  with  joy,  to  enter  into  tliose  eter- 
nal mansions  which  are  enlightened  by  the  glory  of 
God,  and  of  which  the  Lamb  is  the  light,  (Rev.  xxio 
22.) 

Now-flnth,  indeed,  embraces  every  promise  reveal- 
ed in  the  gospel ;  but  more  particularly  the  promise 
of  the  grace  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  the  sal- 
vation of  those  who  believe  in  the  name  of  the  Son 
of  God.     Therefore  it  may  be  of  great  use, 

1.  To  consider  the  former  mercies,  guidances,  and 
deliverances,  which  we  have  experienced  from  God 
in  the  course  of  our  lives. 

2.  To  consider  the  suflPerings  and  death  of  Jesus 
Christ,  by  which  God  has  been  reconciled,  and  death 
disarmed. 

3.  A  devout  participation  of  the  holy  sacrament, 
which  has  often  been  wonderfully  efficacious  in 
strengthening  the  faith  of  dying  Christians. 

Thirdly,  To  such  a  preparation  for  death  likewise 
belongs  the  exercise  of  hope,  of  which  our  suffering 
Saviour  has  likewise  left  us  a  pattern,  by  saying  in 
the  text,  '  In  thee  O  Lord  do  I  put  my  trust !'  This 
liope  of  a  dying  Christian  is  chiefly  directed  to  the 
blessedness  of  the  future  life  promised  in  tlie  gospel ; 
and  is  grounded  on  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ, 
by  which  we  are  born  again  to  a  lively  hope  of  a  better 
life.  The  more  certain  this  hope  is,  the  inore  it 
shews  itself,  both  in  an  ardent  desire  to  depart  and  to 
be  with  Christ,  and  in  a  comfortable  joy  and  alacrity 
of  the  mind. 

Fourthly  and  lastly,  Such  a  reparation  must  be  at- 
tended with  the  exercise  of  an  entire  offering  of  one's 
self  up  to  God.  This  consists  iu  calmly  resij^ninir 
ourselves  to  our  wise  Creator,  and  referring  all  cir- 
cumstances  relating  to  sickness,  life  or  death,  to  him; 
and  particularly  in  recommeadinr;;  our  souls  into  those 
mighty  and  faithful  hands,  into  '.vhich  the  Son  of  God 
recommended  his  Spirit.  'J1iis  fourfold  exercise  of 
prayer,  £iith,  hone,  and  resignation  to  God,  constl-' 


S2B  Christ's  supferings 

tutes  the  true  and  immediate  preparation  of  a  pious 
Christian  for  death. 

Therefore  consider,  all  ye  who  still  make  it  your 
sole  employment  to  fulfil  the  lusts  of  your  flesh ;  all  ye 
who  make  eartlily  things,  as  wealth,  honour,  ease,  and 
voluptuousness,  your  supreme  felicity,  and  act  as  if 
you  had  a  continuing  city  here,  and  were  to  live  in  it 
forever ;  consider  that  you  are  heaping  up  matter  for 
a  miserable  death  :  And  if  you  proceed  in  this  beaten 
tract,  your  last  moments,  unless  the  grace  of  God 
should  interpose  to  awaken  your  sleeping  consciences, 
will  be  attended  with  terrible  disquietude,  and  inex- 
pressible agonies  of  mind.     Alas,  how  wretched  will 
be  your  condition  when,  lifting  up  your  eyes,  you 
see  nothing  before  you  but  horror,  misery,  and  tor- 
ture !   If  you  look  back  to  your  former  life,  there  all 
is  sin,  guilt,  and  impiety;  if  you  look  forward,  be- 
hold an  eternity  of  agonizing  torments  and  despair  I 
Above  you  stands  an  incensed  Judge  ;  under  you  the 
abyss  of  hell  is  oj^ened ;  and  even  within  you,  you 
will  hear  the  clamours,  and  sensibly  feel  the  stings, 
of  conscience,  the  silent  witness  and  accuser  of  your 
most  secret  sins   and   evil  thoughts.     Do  not  flatter 
yourselves  with  a  vain  hope,  or  think  that  all  may  be 
set  to  rights  with  a  fevv^  broken  sighs  ;  think  not  that 
only  crying  out,  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner !  is 
a  sufficient  atonement  for  a  life  of  impiety.     Alas ! 
repentance  is  too  arduous,  too  important  a  work,  to 
be  thus  huddled  over.     When  the  body  is  struggling 
with  the  pains  of  the  distemper,  and  the  conscience 
is  at  the  same  time  terrified  with  the  wrath  of  God, 
and  the  horrors  of  death.  What  strength  can  be  left 
for  such  a  conflict?  Therefore,  while  you  are  in  the 
days  of  your  health,  and  are  not  deprived  of  an  ability 
of  sinning;  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  renounce  the 
service  of  sin,  and  give  yourselves  to  him  who  has 
shed  his  precious  blood  on  the  cross,  and  acquired 
for  you  a  right  to  a  blessed  eternity.     Settle  your  ac- 
count "^vith  heaven  in  time,  that  all  rcmainins:  to  be 


ON     MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  321 

done  on  your  death  bed  may  be,  to  die  tranquil  and 
serene. 

As  for  you  who  have  received  the  grace  of  God, 
be  not  remiss  in  your  conflict  against  sin  ;  be  not  ne- 
gligent in  perfecting  your  sanctification,  in  the  fear  of 
God.  Think  not  that  you  may  finish  the  remainder 
of  your  work  on  your  sick  bed,  and  there  make  up 
any  deficiency  in  your  account,  before  it  is  finally  clo- 
sed. Do  ye  then  know  how  many  hours  you  will 
have  for  your  preparation  on  your  death  bed  ?  Are  ye 
assured  tliat  your  distemper  will  be  of  such  a  nature, 
as  to  leave  you  in  full  possession  of  your  understand- 
ing till  the  last  moment?  Habituate  yourselves  in  dua 
time  to  the  performance  of  those  duties,  on  which 
your  mind  will  be  employed  in  your  last  hours  ;  so 
that,  if  the  Lord  is  pleased  to  grant  you  time,  your 
last  hour  may  be  an  hour  of  triumph  ;  and  that  if,  on 
the  other  hand,  you  should  be  suddenly  surprised  by 
death,  yet  your  souls  shall  suffer  no  detriment,  but 
pass  calmly  into  life. 

As  for  you,  ye  timerous,  but  believing  and  up- 
right souls,  be  not  cast  down  with  the  appreliension 
of  death,  and  ask  whence  should  joy  come  in  a  dying 
hour,  after  such  long  and  severe  conflicts  with  de- 
jection, fear,  and  dread?  God  can  suddenly  roll  the 
weighty  stone  of  the  fear  of  death  from  your  hearts', 
and  comfort  you  with  the  hope  of  a  glorious  resur- 
rection. 

Look  unto  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher  of  your 
faith,  and  obey  his  divine  precepts  in  the  time  of 
your  life;  and  this  will  be  the  most  effectual  means 
not  only  for  dying  happily  but  joyfully  ;  so  that  n\ 
the  hour  appointed  for  your  last  in  the  counsel  of  your 
heavenly  Father,  you  may  say  v/ith  joy,  '  It  is  finish- 
ed !  Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit !' 

THE     PR A YE n. 

Now  all  praise  be  to  thee,  O  faithful  and  ever  living 
Saviour,  for  sanctifying  our  last  hours  by  thine,  and 

VOL.  II.  3  s 


322  Christ's  surF£iii>:GS 

leaving-  us  therein  a  glorious  pattern  for  our  imitation. 
Behold  !  the  last  moments  cf  our  lives  are  still  before 
us,  and  none  of  us  kno\\-  how  many  steps  they  have 
to  the  end  of  their  journty.  Grant  therefore,  to  every 
one  a  wise  and  understanding  heart,  not  to  put  off  his 
])rcparation  for  death,  till  the  last  moments  of  his  life  ; 
but  that  in  the  d::}."s  of  health,  he  may  give  up  his 
heart  to  thee,  disentangle  himself  from  the  accursed 
snares  of  sin,  and  endeavour  by  thy  grace  to  trans- 
plant himself  from  the  kingdom  of  darkness,  into  the 
kingdom  of  light ;  so  that  he  may  know  whither  to 
fly  ibr  refuge  when  the  terrors  of  death  assault  his 
soul.  Those  who  are  already  passed  from  deatli  unto 
life,  and  in  v.hom  the  foundation  of  a  lively  hope  of 
a  blessed  eternity  is  laid,  do  thou  daily  animate,  and 
every  morning  a">.\akcn  them  Mith  the  thoughts,  that 
every  day  may  be  their  last ;  so  that  thus  they  may 
always  keep  their  loins  girded,  and  their  lamps  burn- 
ing. Graciously  stand  by  them  in  their  last  conflict, 
so  that  all  who  attend  their  death  bed  may  behold  their 
joy  and  tranquility,  and  learn  to  prepare  for  such  an 
exit.  Grant  this  for  the  sake  of  thy  glorious  name, 
Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  X. 

THE    PEOniGIES     WHICH    HAPPENED    AT    THE 
DEATJI   OF    THE    LORD    JESUS. 

*AND  behold  the  vail  of  the  temple  was  rent  in 
twain  from  the  top  to  the  bottom,  and  the  earth  did 
quake,  and  the  rocks  rent,  and  the  graves  were  open- 
ed; and  the  bodies  of  many  saints  who  slept  arose, 
and  came  out  of  the  graves  after  his  resurrection,  and 
went  into  the  holy  city,  and  appeared  unto  many. 
Now  when  the  centurion  who  stood  over  against  him, 
ancUhey  that  were  with  him,  ^vatching  Jesus,  saw  that 


ON    MOUNT  GOLGOTHA.  323 

he  so  cried  out,  and  the  earthquake,  and  those  thIn.Q:s. 
that  were  done  ;  they  feared  greatly,  and  gloriikd 
God,  saying,  Certainly  this  ^vas  a  righteous  man  ; 
truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God.  And  all  the  people 
tha*^  came  together  to  that  sight,  beholding  the  things 
which  were  done,  smote  their  breasts,  and  returned. 
And  all  his  acquaintance,  and  the  women  that  had 
foliov>  cd  him  from  Galiilee,  among  wiiom  was  Mary 
Magd-ilene,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  James  the  less, 
and  the  mother  of  Joses,  and  Salome,  and  the  mother 
of  Zebedee's  children,  who  also,  when  he. was  in 
Galiilee  followed  him  and  ministered  unto  him,  and 
m  ny  other  women  who  came  up  with  him  to  Jerusa- 
lem, stood  afar  off  beholding  these  things,'  (Matt. 
xxvii.  51 — 66.  Mark  xv.  38 — 41.  Luke  xxiii. 
45.-49.) 

In  explaining  these  words  we  shall  consider, 

First,  The  miracles  which  followed  our  Saviour's 
death. 

Secondly,  The  effect  which  tliose  miraculous  events 
had  on  the  spectators. 

I.  No  sooner  had  the  blessed  Jesus  bowed  his  head, 
and  commended  his  soul  into  the  hands  of  his  Father, 
than  a  most  extraordinary  scene  of  wonders  opened 
to  the  unbelieving  Jews,  to  certify  that  the  person 
who  was  just  departed,  was  he,  whom  Isaiah  em- 
phatically stiles  woNDEiiFUL,  (Isaiah  ix.  6.)  As 
our  blessed  Saviour's  birth  was  attended  with  a  glo- 
rious apparition  of  the  heavenly  host,  which  descend- 
ed from  heaven  praising  and  glorifying  God  ;  so  now 
at  his  death,  our  earth  felt  strange  convulsions,  un- 
known at  the  death  of  any  person  before. 

In  considering  these  wonderful  piienome^na,  we  shall 
in  general  observe  the  two  following:  particulars. 

First,  The  end  and  design  of  them. 

Secondly,  The  signification  of  these  miraculous 
events. 

The  first  general  observation  is  this  :  As  God  in  a  I 
the  ex'.raordinary  operations  of  liis  ojiiuipotence   li^s 


324  Christ's  sufferings 

always  the  wisest  views;  so  had  he  likewise   some 
wise  design  in  exhibiting  these  wonders.     If  we  re 
fleet  a  little  on  the  causes  and  end  of  them,  we  may 
leiirn, 

1.  That  by  these  extraordinary  phenomena,  God 
intended  to  awaken  the  attention  of  stupid,  thought- 
less men ;  and  to  induce  them  to  consider  the  death 
of  this  extraordinary  person,  and  enquire  into  the 
cause  of  it. 

2.  It  was  God's  design,  by  these  miracles,  to  re- 
trieve the  honour  of  his  Son,  which  had  been  extreme- 
ly injured  by  an  ignominious  crucifixion,  and  to  give 
a  public  testimony  of  his  innocence.  The  Lord  Jesus, 
when  he  was  nailed  to  the  cross,  would  give  no  proof 
of  his  miraculous  power,  nor  deliver  himself  from 
suffering  death,  as  his  enemies  required  ;  but  referred 
the  manifestation  of  his  innocence  to  his  Almighty 
Father.  And  this  amiable  temper  he  had  already 
shewn,  when  he  said,  '  I  seek  not  mine  own  glory  j 
there  is  one  that  seeketh  and  judgeth,' (John  viii.  50.) 
Now  this  saying  of  Christ  was  here  verified.  For 
when  the  Son  of  God  had  expired  on  the  cross  in  the 
utmost  ignominy  and  reproach,  the  Father  came 
forth  from  his  secret  sanctuary,  and  vindicated  the 
liononr  of  his  Son  who  had  been  numbered  among 
the  tcansgressors,  by  commanding  even  the  inanimate 
creation,  in  an  extraordinary  manner,  as  it  were  to 
celebrate  his  obsequies. 

3.  By  these  wonderful  events,  not  only  our  bles- 
sed Saviour's  innocence,  but  likewise  his  Divine  ma- 
jesty and  glory  were  eminently  displayed.  He  had 
been  sentenced  to  die  for  falsely  pretending  to  be  the 
Son  of  God,  as  his  infatuated  enemies  imagined : 
But  now,  all  nature  by  an  extraordinary  tremor  shew- 
ed, that  the  Lord  of  nature  expired;  that  God  mani- 
fested in  the  flesh  was  departed;  that  the  Friiice  of 
life  was  put  to  death ;  and  that  the  Lord  of  ^loi}'  was 
crucified. 


A 


«N   MOUNT   GOLGOTHA."  325 

4.  This  manifestation  of  the  Divine  power,  which 
fell  out  at  the  crucifixion  of  our  Saviour,  is  a  salutary 
antidote  against  the  offence  of  the  cross.  To  reason, 
indeed,  it  may  at  first  sight  appear  somethiiisr  strange, 
to  believe  in  one  who  died  on  the  cross,  and  to  expect 
eternal  life  from  him.  But  if  a  rational  man  reflects, 
how  signally  God  himself  glorified  this  crucified  per- 
son at  his  death,  it  will  inspire  him  wilh  better  thoivihts 
of  him,  and  make  him  look  on  the  crucifixion  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  in  a  very  different  light,  from  that  of  an 
evil  doer. 

The  second  general  observation  relates  to  the  sig- 
nification of  these  prodigies  ;  which  are  of  such  a  na- 
ture, as,  at  the  same  time,  to  have  a  certain  significa- 
tion, relatively  to  the  unbrlieving  Jews,  and  also  to 
believers,  'rhey  are  so  particularly  ordered  by  the 
Divine  wisdom,  as  very  significantly  to  represent  the 
power  and  effect  of  our  Saviour's  death ;  and  this 
will  the  more  plainly  appear,  on  considering  each  of 
these  prodigies  in  their  order. 

The  first  miraculous  event,  which  followed  our 
Saviour's  death,  w^as  the  rending  the  vail  of  the  tem- 
ple :  'And  behold,'  says  the  evangelist,  (Matt,  xxvii. 
51.)  '  the  vail  of  the  temple  was  rent  in  twain  from 
the  top  to  the  bottom.'  In  the  temple  were  two  vails, 
one  of  which  hung  before  the  door  leading  into  the 
sanctuary*,  and  the  other  before  the  d^;or,  or  open- 
ing, into  the  Holy  of  Holies,  and  these  were  made  of 
azure,  purple,  and  scarlet  silk  threads  curiously  in- 
terwoven, and  embroidered  with  the  most  beautiful 
flowers  and  cherubims.  But  the  latter  of  these  vails 
qnly  is  here  spoken  off.     If  one  considers  that,  ac- 


*  See  Josephus's  Jewish  Antiquities,  B    VIII  C.3. 

t  This  vail,  which  St.  Paul  mentions  in  his  Episde  to  the 
Hebrews.  (Chap.  ix.  v.  3.)  in  tlie  second  Temple,  supplied  the 
pluce  of  the  partition  wall,  which  divided  the  Sanctuary  from 
the  Holy  of  Holies  in  Solonion's  Temple,  mentioned  I  Kings 
vi.  16.  For  in  the  second  Temple,  there  were  two  vails  that 
hung  down  fronn  two  large  beams,  one  towards  the  Sanctuarvv 
and  the  other  towards  the  Koly  of  Holies. 


326  Christ's  sufferings 

cording  to  the  testimony  even  of  the  Jews  themselves, 
this  vail  was  of  a  most  curious  and  strono:  texture 
like  tapestry,  and  was  thirty  ells  in  length  and  four- 
fingers  thick;  that  it  was  no  old  tattered  curtain,  but 
a  masterly  piece  of  art  lately  woven,  for  a  new  vuil 
was  made  and  hung  up  in  the  temple  every  year;  and 
lastly,  tliat  this  strong  vail  hung  in  a  place  where  it 
could  not  be  damaged  by  the  weadier;  the  hand  of 
God  must  necessarily  be  acknowledged  to  have  been 
concerned  in  the  rending  of  it.  What  a  terror  must 
this  sudden  and  unexpected  rent  have  struck  into  the 
Priests,  who  probably  were  performing  the  service 
in  the  sanctuary,  lighting  the  lamps  of  the  goldi  n 
candlestick,  and  burning  incense  !  for  it  was  about 
the  time  of  evening  sacrifice.  How  must  they  have 
been  terrified  with  the  sight  of  the  vail,  thus  rent  at 
once,  by  which  means  the  Holy  of  Holies  was  expo- 
sed to  the  view  of  the  people.  For  they  had  hitherto 
carefully  concealed  this  sacred  place  from  the  eyes  of 
all  the  other  priests  by  the  partition  vail,  beyond 
which  only  the  High  Priest  was  to  enter;  and  that  only 
once  a  year,  on  the  great  day  of  atonement. 

If  we  now  enquire  into  the  signification  of  this  first 
prodigy,  we  shall  find  that, 

1.  With  regard  to  the  unbelieving  Jews,  it  was  a 
very  melancholy  event.  Hitherto  God  had  dwelt  in 
the  temple  within  the  Holy  of  Holies,  over  the  ark  of 
the  covenant,  and  there  manifested  his  presence  in  a 
peculiar  manner.  Hence  this  place  wds  accounted 
so  sacred,  that  no  mortal  eye  was  to  look  into  it ;  and 
for  this  end,  God  liad  directed  this  thick  vail  to  be 
made.  But  now,  God  having  rent  it  himself,  and  thus, 
as  it  were,  opened  the  door  of  the  Holy  of  Holies,  that 
every  one  might  look  into  it ;  lie  thereby  intended  to 
signify,  that,  from  a  just  indignation  and  displeasure 
against  the  wickedness  of  his  pe<jple  and  their  priests,  in 
pulling  the  Lord  of  the  temple  to  death,  he  would  from 
thai  lime  leave  this  his  dwelling,  (Matt,  xxiii.  38.) 
9nd  prophane  his  sanctuary  by  gi\'ing  it  up  to  the  eyes 


ON     MOUNT    COLCOTHA.  32;7 

and  hands  of  unbelievers.  This  aftervvards  came  to 
pass,  when  the  temple  was  destroyed  by  the  Romans  ; 
for  the  holy  vessels  were  taken  out  of  the  temple  by 
the  soldiers,  and  exhibited  as  a  public  show  in  the 
triumph  by  I'itus  Vespatianus,  who  had  conducted 
the  siege  ol  Jerusalem.  'I'he  night  before  our  baviour's 
crucifixion,  the  High  Priest,  IVom  an  hypocritical 
zeal,  had  rent  his  garments  when  he  heard  the  Lord 
Jesus  declare  himself  to  be  the  Son  of  God  ;  and  nou', 
God  himself  rends  that  vail  with  which,  while  he 
ftwelt  in  the  Holy  of  Holies,  he  as  it  were,  cloathed, 
and  Vviled  himself,  and  thereby  confirms  his  Son's 
declaration,  which  the  High  Priest  had  called  blas- 
phemy. 

2.  But  to  the  faithful  this  rending  of  the  vail  is  a 
jo\ful  type,  representing  that  an  entrance  was  then 
opened  to  them  into  the  sanctuary,  which  is  not  made 
with  hands.  Hitherto  the  flesh  of  Jesus  Christ,  by 
tlie  imputation  of  our  sins  to  him,  had  hung  before 
it  as  a  vail.  But  when  this  vail  was  rent  at  the  sepa- 
ration of  his  soul  and  body  by  death,  and  Jesus 
Christ,  the  true  High  Priest,  had  himself  with  his 
own  blood  entered  into  the  holy  place,  i.  e.  into  heaven ; 
the  way  to  the  throne  of  grace  is  cleared  of  all  obsta- 
cles, heaven  is  laid  open,  and  the  covering  which  hung 
before  the  m}  steries  of  the  Levitical  worship  is  re- 
moved, (Isaiah  xxv.  7.)  The  church  militant  on 
earth,  which  was  prefigured  by  the  sanctuary,  and 
the  church  triumphant  in  heaven,  the  Antitype  of  the 
Holy  ol'  Holies,  are  now  united  with  each  other;  the 
wall  of  partition  between  Jews  and  Gentiles,  namely, 
the  ceremonial  law,  together  with  the  whole  Levitical 
economy,  is  thrown  down.  Therefore  the  Apostle 
thus  speaks  to  all  those  whose  hearts  are  rent  with 
true  rept  jitance :  '  ^laving  therefore,  brethren,  bold- 
ness to  enter  into  the  Holiest  by  the  bicod  of  Jesus, 
by  a  new  and  living  way  which  he  has  consecrated 
for  us  through  the  vail,  that  is  to  say,  his  ilesh  ;  and 
having  an  High  Priest  ovec  the  house  of  God,  let  hs 


328  Christ's  sufferings 

draw  near  with  a  true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of  faith; 
having  our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience, 
and  our  bodies  washed  with  pure  water,'  (Heb.  x.  19, 
20,  '1,  22.)  These  were  the  glorious  mysteries  pre- 
figured by  tliis  wonderful  event. 

A  pious  Christian,  attentively  meditating  on  this 
remarkable  incident,  may  very  justly  cry  out,  I  thank 
thee,  O  my  Saviour,  who,  for  my  good,  hast  suffer- 
ed the  vail  of  thy  flesh  which  hung,  as  it  were,  be- 
fore the  Divinity  within  thee,  to  be  rent;  so  that 
throuL^h  thte,  my  Mediator,  I  can  now  not  only  look 
iu'lO  ihe  heavenly  sanctuary  with  the  eye  of  faith,  hut 
likewise  through  thee  I  am  enabled  even  to  enter  into 
it,  and  with  confidence  approach  the  throne  of  grace. 
O  my  Redeemer,  I  honour  the  day  of  thy  death,  as 
tlie  day  of  my  atonement !  I  rejoice  that  in  thee  I  have 
a  merciful  High  Priest,  who,  with  his  own  blood, 
has  entered  into  the  Holy  of  Holies,  and  accomplished 
the  work  of  eternal  redemption.  Stretch  forth  thy 
mighty  hand,  and  from  the  top  to  the  bottom  rend 
all  the  coverings  of  hypocrisy  and  wickedness,  which 
thou  findest  before  my  heart,  and  which  would  pre- 
clude thine  entrance  into  it.  But,  as  a  thick  vail  or 
covering  of  many  prejudices  still  hangs  before  the 
eyes  and  heart  of  that  wretched  nation  that  crucified 
thee,  and  among  whom  thou  didst  take  the  human 
nature  upon  thee;  be  pleased  to  rend  those  vails,  that 
they  may  see  in  thee  the  accomplishment  of  all  the 
shadowy  types  of  the  law,  and  behold  thy  glory  with, 
open  face. 

The  second  prodigy,  which  happened  at  our  Sa- 
viour's death,  was  a  violent  earthquake,  mentioned 
only  by  St.  Matthew,  who  says,  'The  earth  did 
quake,'  or  was  moved.  How  far  this  violent  shock 
extended  cannot  be  determined  with  any  precision. 
It  is,  however,  certain,  that  it  was  felt  in  Judea,  and 
that  it  shook  Mount  Golgotha  with  the  neighbouring 
parts,  and  the  foundations  of  the  city  of  Jerusalem, 
so  that  it  reeled  like  a  drunken  man,  (Isaiah  xxiv.  20.) 


ON  MOUNT  GOLGOTHA.  32'9 

Thus  the  earth,  and  perhaps  the  whole  globe,  gave 
extraordinary  tokens  of  its  sympathy  with  its  Creator, 
who  was  so  terribly  injured,  and  of  its  detestation 
of  the  atrocious  crime  then  committed  by  the  Jews. 
Therefore  as  the  sun,  b}'  God's  interposition,  had 
before  withdrawn  its  brightness, '  that  it  might  not 
give  light  to  the  proflig  icy  of  the  bold  blasphemers, 
who  stood  round  our  Saviour's  cross;  so  now,  also, 
the  earth,  by  its  violent  convulsions,  indicates  that  it 
trembled  at  the  impiety  of  those  wretches  who  cru- 
cified HIM,  by  whose  majestic  voice  on  Mount  Sinai 
the  earth  had  been  formerly  moved,  (Exod.  xix.  18. 
Heb.  xii.  26.)  as  it  is  now  shaken  a  second  time  by 
the  loud  cry,  with  which  he  gave  up  the  Ghost. 

But  as  to  the  signification  of  this  second  prodig}', 
it  prognosticated  no  good  to  the  Jewish  nation.  By 
this  earthquake,  God  not  only  manifested  his  anger 
at  their  wickedness,  which  had  been  carried  to  its 
highest  pitch  in  the  crucifixion  of  his  Son ;  for  the 
effects  of  God's  wrath  are  in  scripture  represented 
under  the  image  of  an  earthquake ;  (Joel  iii.  16.  Psalm 
xviii.  7.)  but  he  also  secretly  intimated  to  them,  that 
both  their  religion  and  policy  should  be  shaken  by 
violent  concussions,  should  be  removed  from  their 
place,  and  be  utterly  destroyed  and  abolished,  as  St. 
Paul  observes  in  the  epistle  to  the  Hebrews,  (Heb. 
xii.  26,27.) 

On  the  other  hand,  this  earthquake  was  an  emblem 
of  the  blessed  motions  to  be  caused  in  those  hearts 
which  had  hitherto  been  carnally  minded,  by  tlie 
preaching  of  the  crucified  Jesus,  especially  among 
the  Gentiles,  (Hagai  ii.  7,  8.)  As  the  mountains 
skipped,  and  the  earth  trembled  before  the  Lord, 
(Psalm  cxiv.  6,  7.)  formerly  at  the  deliverance  of  the 
children  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt;  so  this  earthquake 
shews,  tliat  now  the  true  redemption  of  mankind 
from  the  hands  of  all  their  enemies  is  accomplished 
by  the  death  of  Jesus  Christ. 

VOL.  II.  X    t 


530  chuist's  sufferings 

Alas!  may  a  pious  Christian  say,  How  am  I  asha- 
med, that  my  heart  remains  so  unmoved  at  the  con- 
sideration of  my  Saviour's  death,  when  the  earth  it- 
self trembled  and  shook  on  the  account  of  it!  By 
the  power  of  thy  death,  O  blessed  Jesus,  kill  in  me 
all  earthly  and  sinful  inclinations.  May  this  awail 
truth,  That  the  Son  of  God  died  for  my  sins,  affect 
me  with  a  holy  trembling  and  a  saiutar}  dread  at  the 
great  severity  of  God's  justice,  which  appears  so  con- 
spicuously in  this  instance.  But,  in  the  consideration 
of  this  comfortable  truth,  nameh",  That  by  thy  death 
I  am  reconciled  with  God,  fill  my  beart  with  holy 
emotions,  and  grateful  love.  Grant  that  I  may  exult 
for  joy,  on  account  of  the  great  salvation  obtained 
for  me  by  thy  death,  and  at  the  noble  freedom  in 
which  I  am  placed  by  the  redemption  thou  hast 
wrought. 

The  third  prodigy  that  attended  the  death  of  Christ 
is  related  in  these  words  :  '  The  rocks  rent.'  This, 
in  some  measure,  was  an  effect  of  the  preceding 
earthquake.  The  country  about  Jerusalem  was 
very  mountainous  and  rocky;  hence  it  is  said  in  the 
Psalms,  '  As  tiie  mountains  are  round  about  Jerusa- 
lem,' (Psalm  cxxv.  2.)  Now  these  rocks  and  hills 
were  so  shaken  by  the  earthquake,  that  huge  rhasses 
of  some  of  them  tumbled  down  from  the  summits 
into  tlie  valleys ;  others  were  rent  with  large  cleft? 
and  fissures.  Probably,  this  miracle  displayed  itself 
first  on  that  rock  where  Christ  was  crucified,  and  was 
afterwards  propagated  to  the  adjacent  parts,  in  which, 
to  this  very  day,  are  seen  very  nide  chasms  and  fis- 
sures in  the  rocks,  as  memorials  or  this  prodigy. 

This  rending  of  the  rocks,  with  regard  to  the  tm- 
beheving  Jews,  was  likevvise  a  token  of  God's  anger 
at  their  m  ickedness,  for  '  his  fury  is  poured  out  like 
fire,  and  tiie  rocks  are  thrown  down  by  him,'  (Nah. 
j.  6.)  These  rent  rocks  put  the  Jewish  people  in 
mind,  that  the  earth  only  waited  the  order  of  its  Crea- 
tor to  open  its  mouth,  and  swallow  up  the  rebellious 


ON  MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  331 

crew  of  the  enemies  of  Christ,  as  it  formerly  had 
sw3ll6vved  Korah,  Dathan,  and  Abiram,  (Num.  xvi. 
31.)  It  reminded  them  of  the  Lord  Jesiis's  pathetic 
speech  to  the  wooien  of  Jerusalem,  when  he  was  led 
up  Mount  Golgotha;  in  which  he  had  predicted  to 
the  Jewish  nation  such  calamitous  times,  that  in  their 
desp:'.ir  they  would  say  to  the  mountains,  Fall  on  us  I 
and  to  the  hills,  Cover  us  ! 

But,  at  the  same  time,  this  rending-  of  the  rocks 
was  an  t^mblcm  of  the  conversation  of  the  Gentiles. 
For,  by  the  preaching  of  the  cross,  the  very  hardest 
he.^rts,  hearts  obdurate  as  a  rock  were  rent  and  made 
contrite ;  and  of  this,  the  first  specimen  was  seen  in 
the  Roman  Centurion  and  the  rest,  who  stood  watch- 
ing Jesus  by  the  cross,  (Matt,  xxvii.  54.) 

Here  may  a  true  believer  say,  alas !  my  heart  has 
by  niture  all  the  hardness  of  a  rock  ;  may  it  more 
and  more  be  rent  by  the  salutary  impressions  of  God's 
holy  spirit,  that  he  may  find  admittance  therein. — 
And  as  I  see  about  me  so  many  otlier  flinty  hearts, 
on  which  the  powerfid  arrows  of  thy  word  make  no 
impression,  oh  my  Saviour,^  be  merciful  likewise  to 
them  ;  and  may  they  by  the  power  of  thy  death  be 
also  rent  and  bruised  ! 

The  fourth  prodigy  that  fell  out  at  our  Saviour's 
death  was  the  opening  of  the  graves  :  '  And  the  iiTaves 
•were  opened.'  The  sepulchres  of  the  opulent  Jews 
were  mostly  hewn  in  rocks  ;  so  that  when  the  rocks 
were  rent  from  each  other,  many  graves  also  were 
opened.  However,  this  was  absolutely  a  distinct 
miracle  from  the  former.  For  the  divine  omnipotence, 
which  had  displayed  itself  by  rending  the  rocks  also 
wrought  on  particular  places  where  certain  saints  were 
buried,  and  opened  their  graves. 

With  this  opening  of  the  sepulchres  another  mir- 
acle was  connected ;  which  properly  came  to  pass  on 
the  morning,  when  our  Saviour  arose  from  the  dead. 
For,  by  the  power  of  Christ,  '  many  bodies  of  saints 
who  slept  arose,  and  came  out  of  their  graves  after  his 


332  Christ's  sufferings 

resuirectlon,  and  went  into  the  holy  city,  and  appeared 
unto  many-.'  (Matt,  xxvii.  52,  53.)  Who  these  saints 
were,  whose  graves  thus  opened,  is  only  a  matter  of 
probable  conjecture.  They  are  supposed  to  be,  in 
in  general,  such  devout  persons  as,  in  their  life-time^- 
had  waited  for  the  coming  of  the  Messiah,  and  had 
wished  to  see  his  days  ;  and  now  their  wishes  were 
accomplished  even  in  their  death.  This  honor  may 
have  been  conferred,  in  the  first  place,  on  the 
Pati-iarchs  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  and  Joseph,  the 
two  last  of  V  hom  had,  at  their  death,  left  a  particular 
charge,  that  tht  ir  bones  should  not  be  buried  in  Egypt, 
where  they  died,  but  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  (Gen. 
xlvii.  29,30.  1.  24,  2x) 

Next  to  these,  this  favour  may  be  conferred  on  some 
of  the  Prophets,  who  had  prophesied  of  the  Messiah, 
and  whose  sepulchres  the  Jews  had  hitherto  beautified. 
Lastly,  among  these  Saints  who  arose,  there  might  be 
some  who  were  lately  departed,  as  Simeon,  Hannah, 
Zechariah,  John  the  baptist,  &c.  who  must  have  been 
known  by  those  to  whom  they  appeared.  These 
graves  were  now  opened  by  the  death  of  our 
blessed  Lord,  asa  proof  of  the  truth  of  what  he  had 
before  asserted,  saying,  (John  v.  28.)  'The  hour  is 
coming,  in  the  which  all  that  are  in  their  graves  shall 
hear  the  voice'  [of  the  Son  of  God.]  St.  Matthew  says, 
that  these  Saints  came  out  of  the  graves,  and  made 
their  appearance  to  many  in  Jerusalem  after  our  Savi- 
our's resurrection.  Therefore,  it  is  probable,  that 
they  were  not  restored  to  life  till  the  morning  when 
Christ  rose  from  the  dead,  who  was  to  be  the  first 
fruits  of  them  that  slept,  (1  Cor.  xv.  20.)  and  are  to 
rise  to  life  everlasting.  It  is  therefore  supposed  by 
some  learned  men,  that  thes^  Saints  were  restored  to 
life  in  the  instant  when  Christ  expired  on  the  cross, 
and  when  there  graves  were  opened  tlicy  came  out  of 
them  ;  but  that  it  was  not  till  after  Christ  rose  from  the 
dead,  that  they  went  into  the  holy  cit}^  and  appeared 
unto  many,  as  witnesses  of  the  resurrection. 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHAr  335 

This  miraculous  opening  of  the  graves  is,  on  one 
side,  a  reproach  to  the  Jews  for  having  put  Him  to 
death,  whose  coming  all  the  Saints  of  their  own  niition 
had  so  ardently  longed  for.  But,  on  the  other  hand, 
believers  may  be  convinced  by  it,  that  Jesus  Christ  has 
not  only  put  an  end  to  the  bondage  of  the  law,  and 
brought  the  prisoners  out  of  the  pit,  (Gal.  iii.  23. 
Zach.  ix.  11.)  but  that  he  has  hkcwise,  by  his  death, 
destroyed  the  power  of  death  and  hell,  (Heb.  ii.  14.) 
that,  one  day,  he  will  again  open  the  graves  of  all  Sahits 
departed  under  the  old  and  new  covenant ;  and  that 
he  will  bring  them  forth  alive,  glorify  them  and 
introduce  them  into  the  heavenly  Jerusalem. 

Here  may  a  devout  soul  say,  O  m}  Saviour,  the 
longer  I  abide  by  thy  cross,  the  higher  thoughts  I 
entertain  of  th}*  sacred  Person.  The  first  prodigy  after 
thy  death  teaches  me,  that  thou  art  the  real  High  Priest 
who  is  entered  with  his  blood  into  the  Hoi}  of  Holies. 
The  second  and  third  miracle  assure  me,  that  thou  art 
the  author  of  natur  j,  which  here  sympathised  with  thee. 
The  fourth  prodigy  convinces  me  that  thou  art  the 
Prince  of  life,  and  the  Conqueror  of  death  ;  that  thou 
canst  demolish  the  marks  of  triumph  which  he  has  set 
up  among  mankind,  force  his  strong  prison,  deprive 
him  of  the  spoils,  and  rescue  his  captives.  Therefore, 
in  the  first  place,  rouse  me  from  my  carnal  security  ; 
call  m.e  forth  from  the  grave  of  my  sins,  in  which  I 
naturally  lie ;  roll  away  the  stone  which  shuts  it  up  ; 
and  place  in  m}-  heart  a  lively  hope,  that,  on  the  day 
of  thine  appearance,  when  thy  enlivening  voice  shall 
prevade  all  the  mansions  of  the  dead,  and  when  all  the 
spoils  of  death  shall  be  torn  from  him,  I  also  may 
come  forth  from  my  grave,  and  behold  thy  refulgent 
countenance  in  glory. 

II.  We  come,  in  the  second  place,  to  consider  the 
effect  which  these  miraculous  events  had  on  the  spec- 
^itors.     Among  these  spectators  were. 

First.  The  Roman  Centurion,  who  commanded  the 
party  of  soldiers  at  the  crucifixion  ofour  Lord,  andnow 


334'  Christ's  sufferings 

stood  opposite  to  the  cross  with  his  men  watching 
Jesus.  This  officer  had  taken  particular  notice,  that 
the  death  of  Jesus  was  followed  by  such  uaheird  of 
agitations  throughout  all  Nature,  as  if  it  lay  in  the 
agonies  of  death. 

Now  the  effect  which  the  sight  of  these  miracles 
liad  on  him,  as  the  Evangelist  tells  us,  was  as  follows  : 

1.  '  He  feared  greatly.'  His  heart  was  also  sh;ik:en, 
and  inspired  with  a  holy  fear  of  God,  whose  omnipo- 
tent hand  was  so  manifestly  visible  in  these  extraor- 
dinary phenomena.  He  began  to  reflect  with  horror 
on  what  he  and  his  soldiers  had  been  doing  ;  that  they 
held  injured  a  person  who,  even  in  his  dearli,  had  more 
power  than  the  combined  force  of  all  the  liviiig,  and 
whose  last  voice  shook  the  foundations  of  the  earth. 

2.  '  He  glorified  God.'  He  praised  the  God  of 
Israel,  and  acknowledged  that  he  does  great  and  won- 
derful things ;  that  he  can  darken  the  sun,  shake  the 
earth,  rend  tlie  rocks,  open  the  graves  and  cause  them 
to  eject  the  dead  ;  things  infinitely  beyond  the  power 
of  all  the  heathen  deities. 

3.  He  acknowledsres  the  crucified  Jesus  to  be  a 
righteous  man,  and  the  Son  of  God.  For,  according 
to  St.  Luke,  he  said,  '  Certainly  this  was  a  righteous 

'man;'  but  according  to  St.  Matthew  and  Mark,  his 
v/ords  were,  '  Truly  this  man  was  the  Son  of  God.' 
In  this  acknowledgment  or  confession  of  Christ,  we 
may  observe  two  degrees  of  illumination.  In  the  first 
place,  from  the  extraordinary  circumstances  attending 
our  Saviour's  death,  he  acknowledges  his  innocence. 
He  declares  that  he  was  a  righteous  and  good  man,  in- 
nocent of  all  those  crimes  which  had  been  laid  to  his 
charge,  and  consequently  most  undeservedly  sentenced 
to,  and  punished  with  death.  But  from  this  first 
step,  the  Spirit  of  God  leads  him  father ;  for  he  also 
acknowledges  the  Divineglory  of  Christ.  He  asserts 
that  this  innocent,  righteous  Man  was,  in  a  particular 
manner,  related  to  the  Deity  ;  and  that  lie  did  not  only, 
according  to  the  accusation  of  the  Jews,  pretend  to 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  335 

be  the  Son  of  God,  but  that  he  actually  was  the  Son 
of  Uie  most  high  God.  This  he  affirms  in  the  stiOi>g- 
est  maimer :  '  Certainly  this  was  a  righteous  man ; 
triih  tins  was  the  Son  of  God.'  Thus  God  confirms 
by  thisPr.gan  officer  the  declaration,  which  Christ 
had  made  before  the  Sanhedrim,  and  for  which  he 
had  been  condemned  as  a  blasphemer.  As  the  lips 
of  the  Jewish  priests,  which  were  '  to  keep  the  know- 
ledge of  the  Messiah,'  (Mai.  ii.  7.)  foamed  out  blas- 
phemies against  Christ,  God  caused  his  glory  to  be 
proclaimed  by  the  mouth  of  a  Pagan  soldier,  for  a  pre- 
sage that  now  he  would  make  Him  known  among  the 
Gentiles,  whom  the  unbelieving  Jews  had  rejected. 

Secondly,  The  Pagan  soldiers,  who  were  under  the 
command  of  this  Centurion,  and,  in  all  appearance, 
had  hiiherto  mocked  Christ  and  insulted  him  in  Pi- 
late's hall  of  judgment,  were  among  the  spectators. 
The  eifect  these  miracles  had  on  them  was,  that  they 
also  were  afraid  and  terrified ;  for  St.  Matthew  says, 
'  When  the  Centurion,  and  they  that  were  with  him 
watching  Jesus,  saw  the  earthquake  and  those  thjngs 
that  were  done,  they  feared  greatl}  .'  Hence  it  is  evi- 
dent, that  not  only  the  commanding  officer  felt  such 
emotions  in  his  heart ;  but  that  his  example  made  an 
impression  on  the  soldiers  under  his  command,  whose 
stony  hearts  the  Almighty  likewise  rent,  and  kindled 
in  them  a  light  to  discern  the  innocency  and  dignity 
of  Jesus.  This  was  not  merely  the  effect  of  the  pro- 
digies which  they  saw,  but  likewise  of  our  Saviour's 
gracious  intercession  which  they  had  likewise  heard, 
when  he  cried,  *  Father,  forgive  them,  for  they  know'^ 
not  what  they  do  ;'  and  which  thus  began  already  to 
be  accomplished  on  Mount  GolgO' ha. 

Thirdly,  There  were  Jews  among  the  spectators, 
the  greatest  part  of  whom  stood  about  the  cross  out  of 
mere  curiosity,  either  reviling  Christ  or  gazing  on 
him.  Concerning  these  St.  Luke  makes  the  follow- 
ing observation  :  '  And  all  the  people  that  came  to- 
gether to  that  sight,'  where  God  so  suddenly  altered 


356  Christ's  suFfEiiiNcs 

the  scene,  and  so  unexpectedly  glorified  the  abased 
and  derided  Jesus,  '  beholding  the  things  which  were 
done,  smote  their  breasts,  and  returned.'  In  this  ac- 
count two  particulars  are  specified. 

1.  They  smote  their  breasts.  That  action  did  not 
proceed  only  from  wonder  and  amazement ;  but  ex- 
pressed their  concern,  their  grief,  and  repentance  for 
■what  the}^  had  done.  I'hey  were  greatly  troubled  that 
they  had  suflbred  themselves  to  be  so  far  misled  by 
th-irrulers,  as  to  reject  this  person,  and  had  offered-him 
so  many  injuries,  indignities,  and  abuse.  Then  was 
fulfilled  the  saying  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  (John  viii.  28.) 
*  When  ye  have  lift  up  the  Son  of  man,  then  shall  ye 
kno^v  that  1  am  He,'  i.  e.  the  Messiah,  who  was  pro- 
mised tf)  your  fathers. 

2.  'They  returned.'  By  this  expression  is  meant 
not  only  that  they  returned  to  Jerusalem,  to  their 
homes,  to  reflect  farther  on  these  things  by  themselves ; 
but  likewise  in  some  measure  from  their  evil  ways, 
into  the  good  way  which  Jesus  had  preached  unto  them. 
All  these  people,  we  may  be  sure,  were  not  of  the 
same  temper  and  disposition.  In  some  this  was  no 
more  than  a  transitory  fright  and  fleeting  emotion, 
which  soon  vanished  again  out  of  their  minds,  with- 
out bringii'g  forth  any  fruit.  On  the  minds  of  others 
the  impression  was  deeper,  and  consequently  had  a 
better  effect.  But  it  is  remarkable,  that  we  read  not  a 
word  of  the  chief  priests,  pharisees,  or  rulers  of  the 
people,  being  in  the  least  moved  at  these  wonderful 
phenomena.  Wc  do  not  hear  of  their  beating  their 
breasts,  and  returning.  These  hardened  hypocrites- 
'  regarded  not  the  w  ork  of  the  Lord,  neither  considered 
the  operation  of  his  hands,'  (Isaiah  v.  12.)  To  avoid 
the  appearance  of  hriving  acted  wrong,  they  would  not 
own  the  God  of  Isreal  to  be  in  the  right ;  and  even 
after  the  deatii  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  they  exclaimed 
agiiinst  him  as  a  deceiver,  (Matt,  xxvii.   63.) 

Fourthly,  Among  the  spectators  were  also  some  of 
Christ's  followers  of  both  sexes.     St.  Luke  observes, 


©N   MOUNT    «OLG0THA.  Sot 

that  '  all  his  acquaintance  were  there,  and  the  women 
that  followed  him  from  Galilee.'  St.  Matthew  and 
St.  Mark  particularly  specify  Mary  Magdalene,  Mary 
the  mother  of  James  the  Less,  and  the  mother  of 
Joses,  and  Salome,  and  the  mother  of  John  and  James 
the  Elder,  the  sons  of  Zebedee.  The  last  of  these,  to- 
gether with  her  sons,  hjid  declared,  that  they  wouid 
also  drink  the  cup  which  Jesus  was  to  drink  of,  (Matt. 
XX.  22,  23.)  Therefore  she  was  now  led  by  her  love 
for  him,  to  attend  our  Saviour  to  the  last  Uzomcnt  of 
his  life,  and  by  a  sensible  compassion  must  have  tasted 
something  of  the  bitterness  of  his  suiferings  and  of 
his  last  agony.  Of  ail  these  persons  the  Evangelists 
observe, 

1.  '  That  they  stood  afar  off.'  Probably  they  could 
not  with  any  conveniency  come  nearer,  on  account  of 
the  croud ;  but  in  this  distance  that  prophecy  in  the 
Psalms  (Psalm  xxxviii.  11.)  was  likewise  accom- 
plished :  '  My  lovers  and  my  friends  stand  aloof  from 
my  sore  ;  and  my  kinsmen  stand  afar  cif.  Thou  hast 
put  away  my  acquaintance  far  from  me,'  (Psalm 
Ixxxviii.  8.)     It  is  farther  said  of  them, 

2.  That  they  were  looking  on ;  and  consequently 
were  witnesses  both  of  the  death  of  Ciirist,  and  of  the 
miracles  that  attended  it.  Thus  was  the  blessed  seed 
of  the  woman,  at  his  death,  suBrouuded  with  devout 
women. 

No  mention  is  made  bv  the  Evangrelists  of  the 
effect  which  these  prodigies  had  on  their  minds. — 
They  had  no  occasion  to  beat  their  breasts,  and  to  la- 
ment that  they  had  injured  the  blessed  Jesus.  Thcii^ 
consciences  witnessed  better  things  to  these  devout 
women.  Therefore,  though  the  earth  shook  and 
trembled  under  their  feet ;  yet  they  could  lift  up  their 
heads  widi  confidence.  But  it  is  very  probable  that 
a  violent  conflict  of  hope  and  despair,  of  faith  and  un- 
belief, passed  in  their  souls.  They  saw  Jesus  die  of 
whom  they  had  hoped  that  he  was  to  redeem  Israel, 
and  whom  they  had  accompained  to  Jerusalem  with  a 
VOL.  jr,  u  u 


5:38'  Christ's   surrrniNGs 

persuasion  that  the  kingdom  of  God  would  imme- 
diately appear,  (Luke  xix.  11.)  At  this  instaut,  the 
idea  of  the  earthly  kina^dom  of  the  Messiah  must  have 
been  extinguished  in  their  sonl:3,  and  their  hope  of 
seeing  it  vanished  at  our  Saviour's  death.  But  their 
faith  might  derive  a  powerful  encouragement  from 
the  miracles,  ^vi^h  whij.h  God  honoured  this  melan- 
choly catastrophe.  Here  all  natm-e,  as  it  were,  cried 
aloud  in  behalf  of  the  innocence  of  Jesus,  which  h^(\ 
been  oppressed  by  the  many  false  accusations  arid 
calunr.iies  of  the  Jewish  rulers.  What  an  imnressioii 
must  it  have  made  on  them,  to  see  all  the  people 
beatin:;X  their  breasts  and  returning  ;  and  to  hear  even 
the  Roman  oiiicer  and  the  soldiers  publicly  owning  t!ie 
crucified  person  to  be  the  son  of  God  ?  They  con- 
cluded from  hence,  that  they  had  not  followed  Jesus, 
and  ministered  unto  him  with  their  substance  in 
vain,  and  that  possibly  the  matter  might  have  quite 
another  issue  than  his  enemies  expected.  They  saw 
how  suddenly  their  invidious  joy  was  interrupted  by 
these  dreadful  prodigies  at  the  death  of  Jesus ;  and 
concluded  that  God  could  still  do  greater  things  than 
these,  and  consequently  that  tliey  might  farther  hope  iu 
his  goodness. 

We  shall  conclude  this  consideration  with  the 
following  inference s^from  what  has  l">een  said  on  the 
subject. 

1.  A  Godly  fear  is  usually  the  first  effect  of  a  serious 
consideration  of  the  passion  and  death  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Thus  the  spectators  of  our  blessed  Saviour's 
death  beat  their  breasts  for  trouble  and  remorse  ;  and 
wlien  our  evil  consciences  accuses  us,  it  can  be 
no  otb.erwise  with  us.  W^hen  a  person  reflects, 
that  his  sins  have  been  the  cause  of  the  cruci- 
fixicMi  of  the  glorious  Son  of  God,  what  violent  emo- 
tions must  it  not  awaken  in  his  heart  ?  Such  emotions 
will  mortify  in  us  all  natural  pride,  arrogance,  and 
self-love.  Hence  we  learn  to  humble  ourselves  be- 
fore God,  and  stand  in  awe  of  his  just  displeasure. 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  539. 

By  this  the  founcbtion  of  repentance  is  kud  ;  so  that 
iifrervvards  the  suffering's  or  Christ  are  viewed  as  a 
ir-irror  of  grace  and  fehcity.  But  we  are  not  to  give- 
over  the  work  of  conversion  at  these  legal  fears;  M'hich,- 
h  is  to  be  apprehended,  was  the  case  of  many  of  the 
spectators  of  our  Saviour's  passion.  We  must  pro- 
ceed farther,  avd  dwell  in  contemplation  on  the  affect- 
ing subject,  till  the  heart  is  molilied  and  changed,  so 
as  to  conceive  a  hatred  and  abhorrence  for  sin. 

2.  As  God  has  iJ:loriiied  his  ^gu  after  his  g-reat 
abasement ;  so  when  his  children  have  fought  tlie  good 
fight  of  faith,  andendured  sufferings,  he  will  brmgtheni 
also  to  glory. 

Who  would  have  conceived  that  our  blessed  Lord^ 
while  he  was  hangii-g  on  the  cross  co\er<.d  widi 
blood  and  reproach,  M'^ould  have  received  such  an  en- 
comium as  soon  as  he  expired,  and  that  from  a  Pjgan 
soldier?  'Certainly  this  was  a  righteous  man, 
truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God!'  yet  such  was 
the  issue  to  which  the  providence  ot  God  broup;ht 
this  tragical  affair.  Thus,  in  the  fight  of  afiiic- 
tion  we  must  continue  true  to  the  end.  Such  a 
coi-.duct  will  also  make  a  happy  impression  on 
otl'ers  ;  and  even  those  who  in  our  life  time  liave 
hatrd,  mocked,  and  persecuted  us,  w^ill,  at  our  death, 
be  r  vvrmess  that  we  have  faithfully  served  our  Lord 
and  Saviour,  and  were  his  true  disciples. 

3.  It  is  then  only  that  the  dtath  of  Clirist  produces 
its  true  effect  in  us,  when  it  has  kindled  ihe  spn-iiual 
lile  in  our  souls. 

The  spiritual  life  is,  indeed,  properly  one  of  the 
fruits  of  the  resurrection  of  our  Lord  :  Hej^ice  St. 
Peter  observes,  '  That  we  are  begotten  again  unto  a 
lively  hope,  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from 
the  dead,'  (1  Peter  i.  3.)  However,  the  fom.dation  of 
it  is  already  laid  in  Christ's  triumphant  death.  Thus, 
in  the  instance  before  us,  at  the  deatli  of  our  blessed 
Saviour,  every  good  principle,  Avhioh  hill'erto  seemed 
dead  in  the   hearts  of  the  spectators,  received  nev/ 


^4^  cfaRIST^S   SUFPERINGS 

life  ;  and  this  life  manifested  itself  by  the  tongues  of 
these  men,  which  proclaimed  the  innocence  and  glory 
of  Jesus,  by  the  hands  which  beat  their  breasts,  and  by 
the  feet  with  which  they  returned  in  a  better  disposi- 
tion. The  death  of  Christ  must  still  have  this  blessed 
effect  in  us,  viz.  of  imparting  to  us  a  new  life,  which 
will  manifest  itself  in  all  the  members  of  our  bodies; 
so  that  they  will  no  longer  be  given  up  to  sin  as  in- 
struments of  unrighteousness,  but  to  the  service  of  hira 
who  died  and  rose  again  for  us. 

THE    PRAYEll. 

O  f  AiTHFUL  Saviour,  we  praise  thee,  who  didst 
even  on  thy  en  >ss  begin  to  fulfil  thy  word ;  namely, 
when  I  am  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  I  will  draw  all 
men  unto  me.  O  that  it  many  please  thee  also  to  draw 
those  who  are  farthest  from  thee,  and  still  harbour  a 
sinful  contempt  of  thy  reproach  !  Teach  them  to  ac- 
knowledge, that  thy  ignominious  death  is  the  only 
means  by  which  our  death  must  be  overcome,  and 
the  guilt  of  our  sins  blotted  out.  Incline  all  our  hearts 
to  contemplate  thy  meritorious  death  ;  and  grant  that 
we  may,  in  due  time,  enjoy  the  precious  fruits  of  it, 
Kend  the  veil  of  our  prejudices,  shake  our  obdurate 
and  refractory  hearts ;  and  open  the  grave  of  our  sins, 
that  we  may  come  forth  to  a  new  life.  Grant  that  we 
may  beat  our  breasts,  as  a  token  of  Godly  sorrow, 
and  return  from  our  evil  ways.  Thus,  O  blessed 
Jesus,  may  every  thing  which  passed  outwardly  at 
thy  death,  be  fulfilled  within  us.  Have  mercy  upon 
us,  O  thou  Lamb  of  God,  and  hear  us  for  the  sake  of 
thy  meritorious  death  and  passion  !  Amen. 

CONSIDERATION  XI. 

IHE  LAST  INDI  ;NITy  OFFERED  TO  THE  BODY, 
or"  THE  LORD  JESUS  ON  THE  CROSS. 

*  THE  Jews,  therefore,  because  it  was  the  prepara- 
tion, that  the  bodies  should  not  remain  upon  the  cross 


ON    MOUNT   GOLGOTHA.  341 

un  the  Sabbath  day,  [for  that  Sabbath  day  was  an 
hii<h  day,]  besought  Pilate  that  their  legs  might  be 
broken,  and  that  they  might  be  takeri  away.  Then 
came  the  soldiers,  and  brake  the  legs  of  the  fust, 
and  of  the  other  who  was  crucified  with  him.  But 
when  they  came  to  Jesus,  and  saw  that  he  \ias  dead 
already,  they  brake  not  his  legs  :  But  one  of  the  sol- 
diers ^vith  a  spear  pierced  his  side  ;  and  forthwith  came 
there  out  blood  and  water.  And  he  that  saw  it  bare 
record,  and  his  record  is  true  ;  and  he  knoweth  th.t  he 
saith  true,  that  ye  might  believe.  For  these  things 
were  done,  that  this  Scripture  should  be  fulfilled,  a 
bone  of  him  shall  not  be  broken  ;  and  again  another 
Scripture  saith,  they  shall  look  on  him  whom  they 
pierced,'  (John  xix.  31 — 37.) 

In  these  words,  St.  John,  vidio  was  an  eye  witness 
of  the  transaction,  relates  the  last  insult  done  to  the 
body  of  his  Lord  and  master,  while  it  hung  on  the 
cross.  In  this  narrative  we  have  an  account  of  a  two- 
fold indignity  offered  to  the  body  of  Jesus. 
First,  One,  which  was  not  put  in  execution. 
Secondly,  Another  which,  by  the  Divine  permis- 
sion, was  committed  on  it  for  good  and  wise  ends. 

I.  The  first  indignity,  which  was  designed  against 
the  sacred  body  of  our  Lord,  was  the  breaking  of  his 
legs ;  But  though  such  an  indignity  was  intended  by 
the  soldiers  ;  yet  it  was  averted  by  a  higher  pov/er. 

First,  That  this  indignity  was  intended,  we  may 
learn  from  the  request  of  the  Jews  to  Pilate,  namely, 
That  the  legs  of  those  who  were  crucified  might  be 
broken,  and  that  their  bodies  might  be  taken  away, 
(John  xix.  31.)  Thus  the  Jev/s,  by  whom  we  are 
here  to  understand  the  rulers,  chief  priests,  scribes, 
and  elders,  proposed  to  treat  the  body  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  with  such  indignity.  As  for  the  Jewish  peo- 
ple, the  miracles  which  attended  the  death  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  had  so  aftbcted  them,  that  they  were  gone  away 
beatino:  their  breasts.  Even  the  very  Roman  Centu- 
rion,  who  commanded  the  party  of  soldiers  that  watch- 


342  Christ's  sufferings 

cd  the  cross,  had  together  with  his  soldiers  glorified 
God,  and  publicly  acknowledged,  that  the  crucified 
Jesus  was  not  only  a  righteous  man,  but  the  Son  of 
God.  |rhe  doctors  and  rulers  of  the  Jewish  people 
still  continued  obdurate  and  insensible.  The  earth 
had  been  shaken  under  their  feet,  and  the  rocks  were 
rent ;  but  their  stony  hearts  were  still  unmoved,  un- 
broken, and  without  the  least  apparent  sign  of  sorrow, 
or  awe  of  the  Divine  majesty. 

This  is  indeed  a  most  melancholy  sight.  Bat  let 
us  withdraw  our  eyes  from  those  hardened  miscre- 
ants, and  turn  them  inwardly  on  our  own  hearts.  How 
often  h.is  the  death  of  Jesus  Christ  been  set  forth  to 
us  ?  How  often  has  our  blessed  5aviour,  extended  on 
the.  cross,  been  so  represented  to  us,  as  if  he  hud  b  i-en 
crucified  among  us?  But  are  our  obdurate  hearts 
softened  or  broken  by  the  representation?  Is  our 
stubborn  evil  disposition  overcome  ?  In  the  last  C  in- 
sideration,  the  prodigies  which  attended  the  death  of 
Ciirist,  have  been  illustrated  and  explained  ;  buc  what 
is  die  effect  and  impression  of  them  on  the  reader's 
mind?  Hc>s  thy  carnal  heart  shook  before  God,  on 
hearing  that  the  earth  shook  at  thy  Saviour's  death  ? 
Hast  thou  been  so  moved  by  it,  as  to  beat  thy  breast ; 
and  seriously  to  resolve  on  rerurning  from  the  ways 
of  injustice  and  covetousness,  of  uncleanness  and  in- 
temperance, of  pride  and  anger  ? 

The  Jews  therefore  now  applied  to  Pilate  with  a 
double  request.     They  desired  of  him, 

1.  That  the  crucified  bodies  might  be  taken  down 
from  the  cross  before  sun  set ;  and, 

2.  That  their  legs  might  be  broken,  in  order  to 
hasten  their  death  ;  since  it  was  acting  contrary  to  the 
laws,  as  well  as  the  dictates  of  humanity,  to  take  those 
alive  from  the  cross,  who  had  been  condemned  to  die. 

That  the  reader  may  better  understand  the  nature 
of  this  request  of  the  Jews,  it  is  necessary  to  observe, 
that  those  malefactors  who  were  crucified  often  died 
a  very  lingering  death ;  so  that  it  ^vas  not  an  uncom- 


ON    MOUNT  GOLGOTHA.  343 

mon  thinj^  for  them  to  remain  alive  on  the  cross  two 
or  three  days,  till  at  last  they  perished  by  hunger,  or 
were  smothered  b}  s.woke,  [tor  which  purpose  wet 
materials  were  burnt  under  the  cross]  or  were  de- 
voured by  wild  beasts.  Here  the  Jews  proposed  ihe 
breaking  of  their  legs,  as  the  means  of  hastening  the 
death  of  the  crucified.  The  breaking  of  the  legs  of 
slaves  was  not  an  unusual  punishment  among  the  Ro- 
mans ;  which  was  done  by  laying  the  legs  on  an  anvil, 
and  breaking  them  in  two  with  hammers.  When  / 
this  inhuman  punishment  was  inflicted  on  the  crucified 
malefactors,  the  wood  of  the  cross  to  which  their  teet 
were  nailed  served  instead  of  the  anvil ;  and  these  vio- 
lent and  painful  fractures  soon  brought  on  their  death. 
By  this  cruel  treatment,  they  hastened  the  death  of 
these  unhappy  malefactors ;  but  at  the  same  time, 
their  pain  was  increased  to  a  very  high  degree  by  it. 
Snch  an  excruciating  torture  the  Jewish  rulers,  who 
probably  had  not  yet  been  informed  of  Christ's  death, 
would  willingly  have  added  to  those,  which  had  al- 
ready been  inflicted  on  the  blessed  Jesus  through  their 
rneunb :  For  they  besought  Pilate  that  his  bones 
might  be  broken  on  the  cross,  as  well  as  those  of  the 
two  malefactors. 

But  as  these  hypocrites  had  before  prostituted  their 
religion,  by  making  it  a  cloak  for  their  wickedness ; 
so  t'ley  likewise  now  alleged  to  Pilate,  That  the  day 
of  the  preparation  for  that  Sabbath  which  was  one  of 
their  solemn  festivals  was  at  hand  ;  and  that  it  v/ould 
be  profaned,  if  the  unclean  bodies  of  the  criminals 
should  be  suffered  to  hang  on  the  cross  on  that  high 
day. 

How  great  was  tlieir  accursed  hypocrisy  !  They 
would  not  profane  thj  Sabbath  ;  and  yet  they  had  put 
to  death  the  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  (Luke  vi.  5.)  and 
profaned  ihe  sanctuary  of  Israel,  as  the  Mes^j.iah  is 
stiled  by  the  prophet,  (Isaiah  viii.  14.)  They  would 
not  have  the  sun  set  on  the  bodies  of  the  executed 
crimmuls,  because  it  was  contrary  to  the  law,  (Deut. 


344  CIIRISl's     SUFFERINGS 

xxi.  2^.)  and  yet  they  suffer  the  sun  to  go  down  oft 
their  detestable  wrath  and  inveterate  maUce  against  the 
blessed  Jesus.  This  notorious  instance  of  vile  hypo- 
crisy should  awaken  in  us  all  an  eternal  abhorrence  of 
th'it  vice,  which  affects  a  great  zeal  for  the  exiernals 
ofrciigion,  but  makes  no  account  of  the  essential 
part  of  it. 

Secondly,  The  indignity  of  mutilating  the  body  of 
Jesus,  which  the  Jews  intended,  was  prevented  by 
Divine  providence.  After  Pilate  had  given  orders- 
that  this  request  of  the  Jews  should  be  complied  with, 
two  soldiers  went  up  to  the  crosses,  and,  with  iron 
bars  or  hammers,  broke  the  legs  of  the  two  malefac- 
tors who  were  crucified  with  Jesus.  Hence  the  peni- 
tent outwardly  fared  no  better,  than  the  impenitent 
thief.  They  both  fell  the  cruel  blows,  and  both  ex- 
pired in  dreadful  pangs  and  convulsions.  To  the  soul 
of  the  penitent  malefactor  our  blessed  Lord  had  pro- 
mised Paradise ;  but  his  body,  which  had  been  the 
instrument  of  his  crimes,  was  to  receive  its  deserts. 
He  was  crucified  in  the  flesh  ;  but  his  soul  was  pre- 
served, lience  he  probably  distinguished  himself 
from  Ids  abandoned  fellow- sufferer  by  a  composed  pa- 
tience, and  rejoiced  in  his  heart  when  he  considered, 
that  hovve\'er  painful  this  hastening  of  his  death  was, 
it  would  forward  his  passage  into  Paradise. 

The  soldiers,  having  now  dispatched  the  two  male- 
factors, approached  the  cross  of  Jesus,  with  an  intent 
of  putting  an  end  to  his  life  also,  by  breaking  his  legs. 
IViay  we  all  draw  near  to  the  Lord  Jesus  with  a  better 
intention  !  Let  us  approach  his  cross  with  a  broken 
and  contrite  heart,  that  we  may  rejoice  in  his  salvation, 
and  be  uplield  with  his  free  Spirit,  (Psalm  li.   12.) 

But  the  soldiers,  observing  that  Jesus  was  already 
dead,  which  they  might  easily  perceive  by  the  change 
of  his  complexion,  the  cessation  of  all  motion,  and  his 
head  bowed  down  to  his  sacred  bosom  ;  '  They  did 
not,  saith  St.  John,  break  His  legs.'  Now  as  the  in- 
tent of  this  additional  punishment  was  to  put  an  end 


ON   MOUNT   OOLGOTHA.  '345 

to  the  criminal's  life  ;  when  they  found  that  Jesus  was 
ah'eady  dead,  there  was  no  occasion  for  expediting 
his  death  by  breaking  the  legs  ;  thus,  by  omitting  it, 
they  acted  agreeably  to  their  orders. 

But  in  this  transaction,  we  must  above  all  things 
have  an  eye  to  the  hand  of  God,  by  wliich  the  hands 
of  these  soldiers  were  withheld  from  committing  such 
an  outrage  on  his  Son's  body.  God  would  not  suf- 
fer our  Saviour's  legs  to  be  broken,  for  the  follow- 
ing reasons  : 

First,  That  it  might  be  manifest,  that  the  suffer- 
ings and  death  of  our  Redeemer  did  not  proceed  from 
the  will  and  insolence  of  his  enemies ;  but  that  hp 
himself  had  power  voluntarily  to  lay  down  his  life, 
before  any  one  took  it  from  him,  (John  x.  18.) 

Secondly,  That  it  might  appear,  that  the  blessed 
Jesus,  though  he  was  numbered  among  the  trans- 
gressors or  malefactors,  was  not  of  that  class.  There- 
fore his  heavenly  Father  caused  him  to  be  distinguish- 
ed from  the  two  malefactors,  after  his  death ;  since 
his  bones  were  not  broken,  and  he  was  honourably 
buried,  neither  of  which  was  the  case  of  those  who 
were  crucified  with  him. 

Thirdly,  That  the  scripture  miglit  be  fulfilled, 
which,  as  cited  by  the  Evangelist,  says,  '  A  bone  of 
him  shall  not  be  broken.' 

These  words  refer, 

1.  To  the  type  of  the  Paschal  Lamb  ;  concerning 
which  it  is  said  in  scripture,  (Exod.  xii.  46.)  '  Thou 
shalt  not  carry  forth  ought  of  the  flesh  abroad,  out  of 
the  house,  neither  shall  ye  break  a  bone  thereof.' 
From  this  intimation  of  the  Holy  Spirir,  here  quoted 
by  St.  John,  it  is  plain,  that  the  chief  view  of  that  Di- 
vine ordinance  was  to  prefigure  this  circumstaiK:e  of 
our  Saviour's  passion,  as  it  was  a  type  of  his  great 
sacrifice. 

2.  We  are  hereby  referred  to  a  passage  in  the* 
Psalms,  (Psalm  xxxiv.  19,  20.)  where  it  is  said  of  a 
particular  righteous  servant  of  the  Lord,  '  That  many 

VOL,  ir.  X  X 


345  ciirviEx's'  sufferings 

are  his  afflictions ;  that  the  Lord  deJivcreth  him  out 
of  them  all ;  and  lastly,  that  lie  will  keep  all  his  bones, 
so  that  not  one  of  them  is  broken  ;'  and  preservation 
was  to  be  a  pledge  of  his  approaching  resurrection. 
These  words  cannot  be  applicable  to  every  righteous 
and  pious  man  ;  for  many  godly  persons  have  expe- 
rienced the  contrary.  But  if  wc  interpret  the  words 
as  a  pi0])hccy  concerPiing  Christ,  which  the  context 
will  very  ^veli  bear,  we  may  here  see  the  literal  accom- 
plishrnent  of  them.  The  following  words  in  the 
nventy-first  verse  of  this  Psalm  a»'e  likewise  applica- 
ble to  our  Saviour's  enemies :  *  Evil  shall  slay  the 
wicked,  [Jews]  and  they  that  hate  the  righteous  [Je- 
sus] shall  be  desolate  ;  they  who  called  out,  his  blood 
be  upon  us,  8ic.  shall  be  punished  with  ruin  and  deso- 
lation.    Let  us  hence  deduce  the  following  truths  : 

1.  He  who  once  gives  himself  up  a  servant  to  sin, 
will  be  continually  incited  by  it  to  commit  greater 
sins. 

The  enemies  of  the  blessed  Jesus  were  not  satisfied 
^vith  seeing  him  fastened  to  the  cross ;  they  would 
not  rest  till  he  was  actually  dead.  Their  inhuman 
cruelty  was  not  satisfied  though  his  flesh  had-i:)een 
bruised  and  torn  b}-  the  scourges  and  blows  ;  but  they 
solicited  the  governor,  that  his  bones  also  might  be 
fractured,  the  better  to  compass  what  they  ardently 
wished,  namely,  that  he  should  lie  down,  and  rise  up 
no  more  (Psalm  xl.  8.)  Thus  they  could  not  restrain 
their  impotent  rage  against  the  innocent,  though  the 
sun  had,  as  it  were,  hid  his  face  at  the  sight  of  their 
]iast  Vv'ickedness,  and  the  earth  had  shook  and  trem- 
bled under  their  feet.  Thus,  a  man  is  deprived  of  all 
his  freedom  by  sin  if  he  suffers  it  to  get  the  dominion 
over  him  ;  and  he  becomes  a  slave  of  the  devil,  and 
a  blood-thirsty  beast  of  prey,  so  that  every  spark  of 
humanity  is  gradually  extinguished  in  him.  Let  us 
therefore  resolutely  oppose  the  first  beginnings  of  sin, 
and  tread  under  foot  the  least  spark  of  it  that  ajjpears, 
lest  it  should  breakout  intoallameto  the  destruction 
of  body  and  soul. 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  347 

2.  Whoover  judges  of  a  man's  spiritual  state  from 
•jutward  appearances  will  be  frequently  mistaken. 

The  converted  malefactor,  as  we  have  already  ob- 
served, suffered  the  same  painful  cruelty  as  his  mi- 
penitent  companion  ;  and  yet  there  was  a  very  great 
difference  between  those  two  persons.  For  one  of 
them  was  a  friend  of  Christ,  the  other  his  enemy  and 
reviler ;  one  was  transplanted  from  the  cross  into  Pa- 
radise, the  other  was  cast  into  an  abyss  of  misery. — 
Thus  it  may  frequently  happen,  that  two  persons  may 
be  involved  in  the  same  misfortune,  between  whose 
inward  spiritual  circumstances  there  is  a  great  dis- 
parity. One 'maybe  a  faithful  servant  of  God,  the 
othtr  the  infamous  slave  ofsatan.  Saul  and  Jonathan 
fell  both  in  the  same  battle  ;  and  yet  the  difference  be- 
tween them  was  very  great.  'I'he  pious  Josiah  and  the 
idolatrous  Ahab  were  both  killed  in  battle  by  an  arrow, 
(Chron.  xviii.  33.  xxxv.  23.)  That  Vvicked  prince 
Zcdekiah,  and  the  prophet  Daniel,  were  both  carried 
away  captives  into  Babylon,  (Jer.  lii.  11.  Dan.  i.  2,  6.) 
but  who  thinks  their  ni'  rits  equal  ?  As  this  considera- 
tion should  restrain  us  from  forming  precipitate  judsj- 
ments,  and  induce  us  not  to  think  unfavourably  of 
those  who  are  involved  in  difficulties  and  distress,  and 
labour  under  poverty,  sickness,  &c.  it  may  likewise 
serve  to  comfort  us  when  we  are  involved  in  suffer- 
ings, together  with  the  most  impious  malefactors. 
For  the  Lord  knows  his  own  A\'ho  have  departed  from 
evil ;  and  a  day  will  come  when  the  dihcrence  be- 
tween the  righteous  and  unrighteous  will  be  n\adc 
manifest  before  the.  e}  es  of  angels  and  all  the  himian 
race.  In  the  mean  time,  it  is  our  duty  by  our  calmness, 
patience,  and  resignation,  so  to  distinguish  ourselves 
from  the  children  of  this  world,  that  otiiers  may  sec 
that  a  different  spirit  dwells  in  us  from  that  which 
worketh  in  the  children  of  unbelief. 

3.  God  by -a  timely  death  often  delivers  liis  chil- 
dren from  some  great  calnmity  intended  them. 


348  C1£RIST*S   SUfrERINGS 

The  Lord  Jesus  by  his  death,  in  which  he  freely 
laid  down  his  life,  prevented  the  cruelty  of  the  sol- 
diers, who  designed  to  torture  him  by  breaking  his 
legs.  Thus  God  still  frequently  brings  his  children 
into  safety  by  an  early  death,  before  the  floods  of  his 
judgments  break  in,  and  spread  a  general  desolation 
over  their  country  ;  or  before  the  wicked  can  execute 
the  impious  schemes  they  had  planned  against  them. 

Howe^■er  the  infinite  wisdom  of  God  is  pleased  to 
dispose  of  us,  Ave  must  rest  satisfied  with  his  dispen- 
sations. If  the  Lord  of  life  and  death  is  pleased,  by 
a  sudden  disolution,  to  remove  us  from  some  im- 
pending misfortune,  it  is  to  deliver  us  from  evil ;  and 
were  we  to  suffer  the  calamit}',  we  have  cause 
thankfully  to  acknowledge,  that  not  a  hair  shall  fall 
from  our  heads  without  his  knowledge  and  permission. 

IL  But,  instead  of  the  intended  insult  of  breaking 
the  legs  of  Jesus,  God  permitted  another  indignity  to 
be  oflbred  his  sacred  body  ;  and  the  account  of  this 
insult  is  the  subject  of  the  remaining  -serses  of  the 
text,  (John  xix.  34,  35,  36.)  which  contain  the  fol- 
lowing particulars. 

First,  The  person  who  did  this  injury  to  our  Savi- 
our's body,  and  he  is  here  mentioned.  This  was  one 
of  the  soldiers,  namely,  one  of  those  who  had  broke 
the  legs  of  the  two  malefactors.  This  man,  contrary 
to  the  respect  he  owed  to  his  officer,  (who  had  given 
a  public  testimony  of  Christ's  innocence)  had  the 
l^resumption  to  offer  this  indignity  to  the  blessed  Jesus, 
after  his  death.  Possibly,  his  design  by  this  brutal 
insult  to  the  dead  body  was  to  please  the  Jews  ;  who 
perhaps  had  bribed  him  to  do  it,  or  at  least,  would  not 
fail  to  reward  him  for  his  insolence. 

Secondly,  The  indignity  offered  to  our  Saviour's 
body,  which  was  this  :  A  soldier  witha  spear  stabbed 
it  in  the  breast  or  side.  This  was  done,  indeed,  out  of 
wantonness  or  insolence ;  or,  perhaps,  the  soldier 
might  at  the  same  time  have  an  intention  of  trying, 
whether  Jesus  was  really  dead,  or  only  in  a  swooii. 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  54^ 

He  therefore  stabs  him  with  a  spear  ,near  th.c  heart, 
that  he  might  bce  whether  he  had  still  any  life  in  him  ; 
so  that  by  giving  him  a  wound,  he  designed  to  dispatch 
him,  in  case  any  life  remained  in  him.  That  it  was  no 
small  wound  which  the  spear  made  in  the  breast  of 
our  blessed  Lord,  but  a  large  incision,  appears  from 
what  he  says  to  the  incredulous  Thomas,  after  his 
resurrection,  '  Reach  hither  thy  hand,  and  thrust  it  in- 
to my  side,'  (John  XX.  27.) 

Thirdly,  What  followed  this  injurious  piercing  of 
our  Saviour's  side  is  likewise  mentioned  by  hit.  John, 
in  these  words  :  '  And  forthwith  came  there  out  blood 
^iuid  water.'  This  was  undoubtedly  an  extraordinary 
event ;  since  the  providence  of  God  directed  the  sol- 
dier's spear  to  make  an  incision  in  the  place  ^vhere 
these  different  humours  were  lodged,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  hindred  these  two  fluids  from  intermixing ; 
for  St.  John,  who  stood  by,  could  plainly  dis- 
tinguish both  blood  and  \vater  issuing  from  the  ^^ourid. 

Fouithh',  Mention  is  made  of  the  certainty  of  this 
remarkable  incident,  in  these  words  :  '  And  he  that 
saw  it  bare  record,  and  his  record  is  true  ;  and  he 
knoweth  that  he  saith  true,  that  ye  might  believe.' — 
The  certainty  of  this  extraordinary  phenomenon  is 
confirmed, 

1.  As  it  is  related  by  one  who  had  it  not  by  hear- say, 
but  saw  ii  with  his  own  eyes. 

2.  As  St.  John  is  a  credible  witness  ;  ^vho  was  ad- 
mitted by  Christ  among  his  Apostles,  that  he  might 
bear  a  true  testimony  of  the  actions  and  occurrences 
of  his  life,  death,  and  resurrection. 

3.  As  his  recoi-d  was  delivered  after  deliberate  and 
mature  thought,  with  the  assisting  light  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  with  a  Divine  assurance  ;  therefore  it  is 
added  '  and  he  knoweth  that  he  saith  true.'  But  St. 
John  here  likewise  mentions  the  end,  for  v.hich  he 
bare  record  in  these  words  :  '  that  ye  might  believe  ;' 
namely,  that  our  Saviour's  side  M-as  thus  pierced,  and 
consequently  that  he  did  reallv  die  on  the  cross.     The 


oSO  cpirist's  sufferings 

beloved  disciple,  with  his  own  eyes,  saw  blood  and 
water  issue  from  his  Lord's  pierced  side,  which  iiffect- 
ing  sigiit  must  have  made  his  heart  Iike\vise  bleed 
within  him.  This  faithful  witness  rt  lates  it  to  us,  that 
we  may  also  believe.  Therefore,  '  Blessed  are  they 
who  have  not  seen,  and  yet  have  believed.' 

Fifthly  and  lastly.  The  Evangelist  mentions  the 
counsel  of  God  concerning-  this  matter:  'These  things 
were  done,  that  the  scripture  should  be  fulfilled.' — 
Hereupon  St.  John  quotes  the  prophecy  in  v*?^hich  it  is 
said ;  '  They  [the  Jews]  will  one  day,  look  on  him, 
whom  [by  the  Roman  soldier's  spear]  they  pierced,' 
(Zech.  xii.  10.)  Hence  it  appears,  that  this  incident 
had  been  predicted  in  scripture ;  and  consequently 
that  it  did  not  happen  fortuitously,  and  from  the 
mere  insolence  of  a  licentious  soldier,  but  that  the 
counsel  of  God  was  likewise  concerned  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  it. 

But  the  principle  view  of  Providence  in  ordering 
this  event,  and  causing  it  to  be  foretold  by  the  Pro- 
phet, seems  to  be  this  ;  namely,  that  the  cerlainty  of 
Christ's  death  might  be  confirmed  and  ratified  b)  it. 
Some  may  perhaps  say,  is  it  of  such  very  great  impor- 
tance for  us  to  know  that  Jesus  Christ  really  died  on 
the  cross  ?  to  which  it  may  be  answered  that  it  greatly 
concerns  us.  For  if  Christ  be  not  really  dead,  the 
power  of  death  is  not  really  destroyed ;  since  this  was 
to  be  effected  by  the  Mediator's  death.  If  he  did  not 
die  in  reality,  so  neither  is  he  risen  in  reality.  But  if 
liis  resurrection  be  merely  a  delusion,  St.  Paul's  in- 
ference is,  '  that  our  faith  is  vain  and  v,  c  are  yet  in  our 
sins,'  (1  Cor.  xv.  17.) 

But  if  it  be  asked,  what  was  the  purpo5:c  of  God  in 
ordering,  that  our  blessed  Saviour's  side  discliarged 
both  blood  and  water?  In  answering  this  question,  it 
must  be  pre-supposed  that  blood  and  Vvalcr  represent- 
ed the  two  principal  benefits  which  Christ  r.as  acquired 
for  us.  The  blood  represents  the  benefit  of  atone- 
ment, which  is  applied  to  us  in  justification.     For 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  351 

in  him  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  even 
the  forgiveness  of  sins,'  (Col.  i.  14.)  The  water  re- 
presents the  benefit  of  sanctification  and  cleansing 
from  sin,  of  which  Jesus  Christ  has  laid  the  founda- 
tion, by  obtaining  and  sending  on  his  disciples  the 
Holy  Ghost,  which  is  often  represented  in  scripture 
under  the  figure  of  water,  as  softening;,  cleansing,  and 
fertilizing  the  heart.  Hence  the  Messiah  says  by 
the  mouth  of  the  Prophet,  (Ezekiel  xxxvi.  25,  26, 
27.)  '  Then  will  I  sprinkle  clean  water  upon  you,  and 
ye  shall  be  clean ;  from  all  your  filthiness,  and  from 
all  your  idols,  will  I  cleanse  you.  A  new  heart  also 
will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  spirit  will  I  put  within  you  ; 
I  will  take  away  the  stony  heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and 
I  will  give  you  an  heart  of  flesh.  And  I  will  put  my 
spirit  within  you,  and  cause  you  to  walk  in  my  sta- 
tutes, and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments  and  do  them.' 

In  order  to  enter  deeper  into  the  consideration  of 
this  mystery,  we  must, 

First,  T  ike  a  view  of  the  condition  to  which  we  are 
reduced  by  the  fall.  By  the  transgression  of  oar  first 
parents,  we  are  sunk  into  a  two-fold  evil,  both  of 
which  are  very  deplorable.  For,  by  the  transgression 
of  the  Divine  command,  we  have  brought  on  our- 
selves a  heavy  guilt ;  and  by  reason  of  our  disobedii- 
ence  are  obnoxious  to  the  sentence  of  death,  which  God 
passed  on  our  first  parents,  and  the  punishment  con- 
tained in  this  threatening,  'Thou  shalt  surely  die.' 
We  have  likewise  sustained  a  great  loss  by  forfeiting 
the  glorious  image  of  God  ;  so  that  our  whole  nature 
is  defiled  by  sin.  In  order  to  recover  this  Divine  sim/i- 
iitude  which  we  had  lost,  we  must  apply  to  another  to 
deliver  us  from  the  guilt  and  punishment,  and  to  re- 
pair that  immense  loss  and  damage  \vc  had  sustained 
by  the  fail.  Now  this  has  been  done  by  Jesus  Christ 
the  Son  of  God.  He  is  come  in  his  mediatorial  office 
with  ULooj),  Vv'ithout  which  thcje  can  be  no  forgive- 
ness of  sins,  (Heb.  ix.  22.)  Therefore  he  shed  his 
blood,  and  with  it,  at  the  same  time,  poured  out  his 
soul  to  death  ;  and  bv  his  deatli  our  debt  is  blotted  out. 


352  cpirist's  sufferings 

God's  justice  is  satisfied,  remission  of  sins  is  obtained, 
and  thus  one  evil  is  removed.  But  he  also  came  with 
WATER,  /.  e.  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  which  the  de- 
fiiements  of  our  nature  are  done  away,  its  impurity 
effaced,  .2;ood  resolutions  imparted,  the  loss  of  the  Di- 
vine image  restored,  and  by  this  means  the  second 
evil  is  removed  ;  and  this  is  the  key  for  understand- 
ing  those  words  of  St.  John  :  '  This  is  he  that  came 
by  w^^tcr  and  blood,  even  Jesus  Christ,  not  by  water 
only,  but  by  water  and  blood,'  (1  John  v.  6.) 

Secondly,  We  are  likewise  in  this  mystery  to  turn 
our  thoughts  to  the  design  of  the  whole  Levitical  eco- 
nomy, in  which  these  two  benefits  acquired  by  Christ 
are  adumbrated  by  many  types.  There  were  parti- 
cularly two  things  expressive  of  the  future  benefits 
conferred  in  the  New  Covenant. 

1.  Water,  with  which  those  who  were  under  any 
bodily  pollution  were  to  wash  and  cleanse  themselves 
from  their  legal  impurities. 

2.  The  blood  of  the  animal  that  was  slain  as  a  sacri- 
fice, which  was  shed  in  great  quantities  under  the 
Mosaic  dispensation.  Both  these  means  were  used 
sometimes  separately,  sometimes  together,  (Lev.  xiv. 
2 — 8.  Heb.  ix.  19.)  Blood  was  the  means  of  atone- 
ment, and  represented  the  atoning  power  of  Christ's 
blood,  the  true  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  the  world,  (Heb. 
ix.  13,14.  X.  4.)  Water  was  the  means  of  purifica- 
tion, and  prefigured  the  true  purifying  of  the  heart  by 
the  spirit  ol  Christ,  (Heb.  x.  22.)  I'he  priests  by  the 
Levitical  law  were,  at  their  consecration,  cleansed  ^vith 
water  and  blood,  (Lev.  viii.  6,  22,  23.)  But  the  real 
High  Priest  of  the  New  Covenant,  who  is  holy  and 
without  sin,  stands  in  no  need  of  being  first  purified  and 
cleansed  with  water  and  blood  of  atonement ;  he  hav- 
ing himself  acquired  those  benefits  for  us.  In  this  he 
has  not  like  the  Levitical  priests,  made  use  of  blood 
of  victims  and  water  from  without ;  but  he  is  come 
■with  blood  and  water  issuing  from  his  own  body,  and 
thus  by  himself  has  cleansed  us  from  our  sins,  (Heb. 
i.  2.  ix.  12.) 


«N    WOU.Vf   GOLGOTHA.  JO-J 

3.  This  circumstance  should  likewise  direct  our 
thoughts  to  the  two  sacraments  of  the  New  Covenant, 
which  are  manifest  and  powerful  memorials  of  these 
two  benefits  procured  for  us  by  Jesus  Christ ;  by 
means  of  which  the  treasure  of  the  death  and  merits  of 
our  Saviour  are  appropriated  to  us.  For  the  water, 
"which  flowed  out  of  his  side,  alludes  to  the  laver  of 
baptism,  in  which  by  water  and  the  Holy  Ghost  wc 
are  cleansed  from  all  our  sins  and  impurities,  (Acts 
xxii.  16.)  But  the  blood  which  issued  from  his  side 
alludes  to  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper,  which 
represents  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  that  was  shed 
for  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins,  (Matt.  xxvi.  28.)  O 
the  depth  of  the  wisdom  and  adorable  mystery  cf  the 
counsel  of  God  in  this  event,  which  was  apparently 
so  inconsiderable  !  We  shall  now  conclude  w  it^h  the 
following  observations. 

1.  Jesus  Christ,  by  this  insult  committed  on  hi.i 
breathless  body,  intended  to  sanctify  all  the  insults 
and  mdignities  done  to  his  martyrs  luvl  confessors  af- 
ter their  death. 

Whoever  will  look  back  a  little  to  the  hibtory  cf 
the  martyrs,  will  find  that  the  persecutors  cf  tlic  Chris- 
tians (so  insatiable  was  their  raiicour) frequently  treated 
in  an  approbrious  manner  the  bodies  of  tlie  saints,  af- 
ter they  had  been  cruelly  tortured  to  death.  The  mos': 
usual  indignities  were  as  follows  :  Their  bodies  were 
exposed  naked  and  widiout  burial,  and  at  the  same 
time  the  persecutors  prohibited  the  Christians  lo  fetch 
them  away,  and  deposit  them  in  the  earth.  Sometimes 
they  threw  the  bodies  of  deceased  martyrs  into  the 
water,  and  sometimes  into  the  fire  ;  otlicrs  were  thrown 
to  be  devoured  by  dogs  and  birds  of  prey,  to  w  iid 
beasts,  8^c.  But  all  these  indignities  done  to  the  bo- 
dies of  Christians  are  sanctified,  by  Christ's  sufil'rin(^- 
his  sacred  body  to  bj  woundLd  by  a  profane  ham!, 
after  his  death. 

2.  As  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  has  suf- 
fered a  fountain  fcr  sin  and  uncleann^^ss  to  be  opened 

VOL.  11.  Y  V 


354'  CHUIST's    SUri'ERINGS 

for  us  m  his  body  on  the  cross,  we  should  diHgently 
make  use  of  it  in  order  to  obtain  eternal  salvation. 

By  this  blood  and  water  which  flowed  out  of  our 
Saviour's  side,  is  obtained  what  all  the  Levitical  puri- 
fications and  sprinklings  with  blood  and  water  typified, 
indeed,  but  could  not  in  reality  perform.  Let  us  then 
with  joy  draw  water  out  of  this  well  of  salvation, 
(Isaiah  xii.  3.)  Let  us  approach  this  free  and  open 
fountain  with  an  heart  convinced,  both  of  the  dreadful 
t^uilt  of  sin,  and  of  the  infinite  loss  we  sustained  there- 
by ;  that  we  may  find  forgiveness  of  the  guilt  of  sin  djj 
in  tlie  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  be  washed  from  the  ^ 
uncleanness  of  sin  in  this  pure  water.  Let  us  atten- 
tively consider  ^»t.  Paul's  exhortation  to  the  Hebrews: 
'  Haviiig  therefore,  brethren,  boldness  to  enter  into 
the  Holiest  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  let  us  draw  near 
witli  a  true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having 
our  hearts  sprinkled,  [with  the  blood  of  atonement  of 
the  New  Covenant^  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our 
bodies  washed  with  pure  water,  (Heb.  x.  IV.  22. 
Heb.  ix.  14.   1  Peter  i.  1,  2.) 

THE    PRAYEll. 

O  FAITHFUL  Saviour,  we  praise  thee  for  all  the 
tokens  of  tliy  love,  and  for  all  the  several  kinds  of  in- 
sults and  indignities  which  thou  wast  pleased  to  en- 
dure for  our  sake,  both  before  and  after  thy  death. — 
Grant  that  we  may  hasten  to  the  streams  of  blood 
and  water  wbjch  flowed  out  of  thy  side,  and  obtain 
remission  of  sins  by  a  worthy  participation  of  the  sa- 
craments, which  they  represented.     Amen. 


COIsSIDERATION  XIL 

IHE  BLOOD  OF  THE  SACRIFICE  OF   ATONEMENT, 
A  TYPE  OF  THE  BLOOD  OF  JESUS  CHRIST. 

*THE  life  of  the  flesh  is  in  the  blood,  and  I  have 
given  it  unto  you  upon  the  altar,  to  make  an  atone  - 


ON  liouNT  coLGoniA.  355 

rnent  for  your  sou! :  For  it  is  the  blood,  thn.t  makcth 
an  atonement  for  the  soul,'  (Lev.  xvii.  11.)  *°»- 

In  the  hist  Consideration,  we  gave  some  short  if?* 
troductory  hints  towards  explaining  the  mystery  con- 
cealed under  the  blood  and  water,  which  issued  from 
our  Saviour's  side  after  his  death.  But  this  it  a  matter 
of  such  importance,  that  it  may  well  deserve  a  farther 
discussion.  For  this  end,  let  us  go  into  the  typical 
school  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  endeavour  to  illustrate 
the  two  most  remarkable  types  of  this  mysterious 
stream  of  blood  and  water;  namely,  the  blood  of  the 
sacrifices  prescribed  in  the  Old  Testament,  and  the  wa- 
ter gushing  out  of  the  rock,  that  was  struck  by  Moses. 

In  our  enquiry  into  the  mystery  concealed  under 
the  blood  of  the  sacrifice,  these  two  articles  offer  them- 
selves to  our  consideration. 

First,  The  blood  of  the  sacrifice  itself. 

Secondly,  The  ceremonies  observed  about  it. 

As  to  the  blood  of  those  clean  animals  which  were 
appointed  for  sacrifices,  it  was  the  chief  article  in  the 
whole  Levitical  worship.  When  a  person  by  a  trans- 
gression of  the  Divine  law  had  deserved  death,  he 
brought,  in  the  stead  of  himsflf,  such  a  victim  as  God 
had  nominated  ;  laid  his  hand  on  it,  and  confessed  his 
crime  over  it.  From  that  instant,  the  victim  was 
considered  as  if  itself  had  committed  the  crime,  and 
thus  deserved  death  ;  but  the  atonement  for  such  a  sin. 
was  not  made  till  all  the  blood  of  the  animal  was  drain- 
ed off,  and  poured  out  at  the  foot  of  the  altar.  Hence 
St.  Paul  says,  (Heb.  ix.  22.) '  that  without  shedding  of 
blood  there  is  no  remission.'  Now  if  we  consider  how 
many  millions  of  victims  were  thus  sacrificed,  from 
the  time  of  Moses  to  that  of  our  baviour,  first  in  the 
court  of  the  taberiacle,  and  afterwards  in  the  temple 
of  Jerusalem;  the  immense  quantity  of  blood,  shed 
in  all  those  sacrifices,  must  fill  us  with  honor  and 
amazement.* 


*  Josephus  in  his  history  ot"  ihe  Jewish   wars,   eliirms  that 
:  55,600  paschcl  lambs  wei?e  killed  ia  the  Temple  a'.  Jerusalem 


^ 


S5t>  CIERISTS    SUFPERIKCS 

The  blood  of  the  sacrifices  so  profusely  shed  was, 
/n^der  the  Old  Testament,  according  very  sacred.  No 
^.  rson,  under  pain  of  deatli,  was  to  apply  this  blood 
i:o  liis  own  private  use  ;  God  having  reserved  it  for 
himself  alone,  and  strictly  enjoined  that  it  should  be 
poured  out  at  his  altar.  Nay,  in  order  to  impress  the 
sweater  awe  and  veneration  for  this  blood  of  tl:e  sacri- 
fices, it  was  likewise  prohibited  by  the  Leviticallav/, 
to  eat  the  blood  of  any  creature  that  was  killed  for 
common  use,  as  appears  by  the  following  precept,  of 
God  in  Leviticus,  (Chap.  xvii.  10)  *  Whatsoever 
man  there  be  of  the  house  of  Israel,  or  of  the  strangers 
that  sojourn  among  you,  that  eateth  any  manner  of 
blood,  I  will  even  set  my  face  against  that  soul  that 
eateth  blood,  and  will  cut  him  off  from  among  this 
people.'  This  injunction  is  likewise  repeated  in  an- 
other place  :  '  Thou  mayest  kill  and  eat  flesh  in  all  thy 
gates,  whatsoever  thy  soul  lusteth  after,  according  to 
the  blessing  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  he  hath  given 
thee  ;  the  unclean  and  the  clean  may  eat  thereof,  as  of 
the  roe- buck  and  as  of  the  hart.  Only  ye  shall  not  eat 
the  blood ;  ye  shall  pour  it  on  the  earth  as  water, 
(Duet.  xii.  'l5.  16.) 

Commentators  have  produced  many  reasons,  why 
the  eating  of  blood  was  so  strictly  forbidden  under  the 
Old  Covenant.  Some  are  of  opinion  that  it  was  pro- 
hibited because  the  eating  of  blood  is  pernicious  to 
the  human  body.  It  is  the  opinion  of  others,  that  God 
in  his  wisdom  forbade  it,  in  order  to  restrain  men 
from  all  bloody  and  cruel  dispositions.  Otiicrs  assign 
other  reasons  for  this  prohibition,  but  equally  unsa- 
tisfactor}-.  But  God  himself,  who  can  best  explain 
Iiis  own  knvs,  has  made  known  to  us  another  cause, 
very  different  from  any  of  those  mentioned  above. 
For  after  prohibiting  tlie  eating  oF  l3!cod,  the  Law- 


10  one  day,  at  the  feast  of  the  Passover.  Theii*  blonrl.  according 
to  Lundius's  computation,  must  have  amounted  to  l.ooo  hogs- 
heads. 


ON   MOUNT     GOLGOTHA.  357 

giver  adds  in  the  following  verses,  '  For  the  life  of 
the  flesh  is  in  the  blood,  and  I  have  given  it  to  you 
on  the  altar  to  make  an  atonement  for  your  soul ;  for 
it  is  the  blood  that  m^iketh  atonement  for  the  soul. 
Therefore,  I  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  No  soul 
of  you  shall  eat  blood,  neither  shall  any  stranger  that 
sojourneth  among  you  eat  blood,'  (Lev.  xvii.  11,  12.) 

It  is  here  asserted  that  the  life  of  the  flesh  is  in  the 
blood.  For  while  the  blood  circulates  in  the  bodies 
of  brutes,  they  live  ;  but  if  the  blood  be  let  out  of  their 
bodies,  they  remain  without  motion,  and  their  animal 
life  is  at  an  end.  As  often  therefore  as  the  blood  of  a 
sacrificed  animal  was  shed,  it  was  looked  on  by  God 
as  if  the  soul  of  the  victim  was  oflfered  up  to  his  jus- 
tice ;  and  this  soul  of  the  animal  was  i'arther  con- 
sidered as  a  ransom  for  the  rational  soul  of  the  sinner. 

The  case  was  this  :  When  any  one  by  transgressing 
the  ceremonial  law  of  God  had  deserved  death,  his 
soul  might  justly  have  been  violently  forced  from  his 
body,  and  brought  before  the  tribunal  of  the  Supreme 
Law-giver,  there,  according  to  the  rule  of  Divine 
justice  to  receive  the  sentence  it  had  deserved,  which 
was  this,  '  The  soul  that  sinneth  shall  die.'  But  God, 
in  the  ceremonial  law,  was  pleased  to  permit  the  sin- 
ner to  redeem  his  soul  by  the  soul  of  a  beast ;  or,  that 
for  his  own  soul  he  should  offer  the  soul  of  a  vicrim. 
Now  the  soul  of  an  irrational  animal  is  by  no  means 
an  equivalent  ransom  for  the  rational  soul  of  a  man  ; 
there  being  a  very  great  disproportion  betwixt  them. 
However,  this  soul  of  the  beast,  which  v/as  poured  out 
with  its  blood  at  the  foot  of  the  altar,  v.-as  accepted 
by  the  Divine  justice,  as  a  pledge  for  the  soul  and 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  m  hich  uere  in  due  time  to  be 
shed  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world,  and  to  be  ofiered 
up  to  the  Divine  justice.  Now  as  the  blood  of  the 
sacrifice,  or  the  animal  soul  of  the  sacrificed  victim 
was  accepted  instead  of  the  soul  of  the  transgressor ; 
so  the  Mediator's  soul,  which  was  separated  from  his 
body  by  a  bloody  and  violent  death,  was  accepted  at 


S58  Christ's  suffeiungs 

the  Divine  tribunal,  as  the  ransom  for  the  souls  of 
many  sinners  who  had  deserved  death,  and  as  a  sin- 
ofFering  to  atone  for  their  transgressions,  (Isaiah  liii. 
10.)  When  this  was  accomplished,  and  Christ  had 
by  a  bloody  death  laid  down  his  soul  as  a  sin -offering ; 
the  type  of  the  sacrificed  blood  was  fulfilled,  and  the 
prohibition  of  eating  blood  no  longer  continued  in 
force :  And  it  was  then  universally  proclaimed,  that 
God,  in  consideration  of  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his 
beloved  Son,  which  had  been  typified  by  copious 
streams  of  blood  shed  in  the  Levitical  sacrifices,  would 
remit  men  their  sins,  and  acquit  them  from  punish- 
ment, if  they  repent  and  believe  in  Christ. 

Let  us  now,  from  the  type,  pass  to  the  great  Anti- 
type. The  blood  of  Christ  is  in  scripture  represented 
as  the  cause  of  our  justification,  sanctification,  and 
glorification.  I  shall  only  mention  the  principal  pas- 
sages relating  to  this  subject,  which  are  as  follows. 

'  This  is  my  blood  of  the  New  Testament,  which  is 
shed  for  many  [for  the  infinite  multitude  of  Adam^s 
descendants]  for  the  remission  of  sins,  (Matt.  xxvi. 
28.)  My  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink 
indeed ;  he  that  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my 
blood,  dwellethinmeandlinhim,  (John  vi.  55,  56.) 
Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through 
faith  in  his  blood,  (llom.  iii.  25.)  Much  more  then, 
])eing  justified  through  his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved 
from  wrath,  through  him,  (i(om.  v.  9.)  In  whom 
we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgiveness 
of  sins,  (Eph.  i.  7.)  But  now  in  Christ  Jesus,  ye, 
^-iho  sometimes  were  afar  off",  are  made  nigh  by  the 
blood  of  Christ,  (Eph.  ii.  13.)  Having  made  peace 
through  the  blood  of  his  cross,  (Col.  i.  20.)  For  if 
the  blood  of  bulls  and  of  goats,  and  the  ashes  of  an 
heifer  sprinkling  the  unclean,  sanctiiii.  l!i  to  the  purify- 
ino'  of  the  flesh ;  how  much  much  mure  shall  the  blood 
of  Christ,  who,  through  the  eternal  Spirit,  oilered  him- 
self without  spot  to  God,  purge  your  consciences  from 
dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God,  (lieb.  ix.  13.  14.) 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  lS-59 

Having-  therefore,  brethren,  boldness  to  enter  into  the 
Holiest  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  by  a  new  and  living^ 
way,  which  he  has  consecrated  for  us  through  the  vail, 
that  is  to  say,  his  flesh,  (Heb.  x.  19.)  Ye  know  that 
ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things  as  silver 
and  gold,  from  your  vain  conversation  received  by 
tradition  from  your  fathers ;  but  with  the  precious 
biood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  without  blemish  and 
without  spot,  (1  Peter  i.  18,  19.)  The  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ  his  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sins,  (1  John  i.  7.) 
He  hath  loved  us  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his 
own  blood,  (Rev.  i.  5.)  These  are  they  who  came 
out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes, 
and  have  made  them  ^v•hite  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb, 
(Kev.  vii.  11.)  They  overcame  him  by  the  blood  of 
the  Lamb,  and  the  word  of  their  testimony,'  (Rev. 
xii.  11.)  Thus  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  its 
powerful  influence,  is  set  forth  unto  us  in  the  New 
Testament. 

But  in  order  rightly  to  understand  all  these  passages 
of  scripture,  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  under  the  name 
of  blood,  the  Holy  Ghost  usually  comprehends  both 
the  entire  obedience,  and  the  sacrifice  of  our  blessed 
Saviour.  Hence  St.  Paul,  (Heb.  ix.  23.)  uses  the 
word  blood  and  sacrifices  as  synonymous  terms  :  '  It 
was  therefore  necessary  that  the  patterns  of  things  in 
the  heavens  should  be  purified  with  blood,  but  the 
heavenly  things  themselves  with  better  sacrifices  than 
these.'  This  sacrifice,  which  Christ  offered  to  his 
Father  for  our  reconciliation,  includes  likewise  the 
prayers  and  supplications,  the  strong  cries  and  tears, 
w^hich  he  offered  up  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  (Heb.  v. 
7.)  all  tlie  reproaches,  the  insults,  and  contradiction  of 
sinners ;  all  the  pains  and  agonies  of  his  body  and 
soul ;  and  lastly,  his  death  on  the  cross,  in  which  they 
terminated.  The  Apostle  in  the  epistle  to  the  He- 
brews, says  of  the  blood  of  Christ,  '  Ye  are  come  to 
the  blood  of  sprinkling,  which  speaketh  better  things 
than  the  blood  of  Abel,'  (Heb.  xii.  2i.)    Itspcaks, 


3GC)  ciiuiot'o  sufferings 

1.  To  God,  and  cries  to  him,  not  as  the  blood  of 
Abel  did,  for  vengeance  on  those  who  shed  it,  or  caus- 
ed it  to  be  slicd ;  but  for  atonement,  reconciliation, 
and  mercy  on  the  human  race,  which  was  sunk  into 
extreme  mibcry.  As  often  as  his  heavenly  Father 
thinks  on  this  blood,  he  must  also  think  on  the  aston- 
i:rhing  obediv^ncc  of  his  Son,  who  shed  it  on  the  cross; 
or.  the  outrages,  and  all  the  tortures  which  he  endured; 
and  consequently  is  thereby  powerfully  moved  to  pour 
down  upon  us  pardon,  forgiveness,  and  blessings. 

■  2.  The  blood  of  Christ  speaks  likewise  to  men. — 
It  speaks  to  secure  and  bold  sinners,  who  go  on  in 
their  impenitence  and  profligacy  ;  and  represents  to 
them  the  inestimable  value  of  their  immortal  souls, 
which  c;in  be  redeemed  from  destruction  only  by  the 
precious  blood  of  the  Son  of  God.  It  represents  to 
them  the  abomination  of  sin,  which  defiles  human  na- 
ture with  such  spots,  as  can  only  be  washed  away  by 
the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God.  It  represents  to  them 
the  iioiincss  and  justice  of  God,  which,  for  an  atone- 
ment, has  renuired  such  a  ransom. 

Farther,  ii  speaks  to  penitent  sinners  who  know 
their  mi'sery  and  depravity,  and  are  deeply  humbled  for 
their  sins.  It  represents  to  them  the  inconceivable 
love  of  God,  which  moved  him  to  give  up  to  so  bloody 
a  death  his  only  Son.  It  promises  them  the  remission 
of  all  their  sins  ;  informing  their  conscience,  that  the 
wradi  of  God  is  appeased,  his  justice  satisfied,  and  his 
mercy  ready  to  receive  into  his  bosom,  and  inipart 
grace  to  e^■ery  soul  that  is  sprinkled  with  the  blood 
of  Christ. 

Blessed  is  he,  ^vho  willi  faith  and  obedience  hears 
the  \  oice  of  this  blood,  speaking  peace  to  his  con- 
science. Tliough  the  blood  of  Christ  implores  mercy 
for  us,  and  speaks  better  things  than  the  blood  of 
Abel ;  nevertheless,  on  tliose  who,  instead  of  being 
niONcd  by  it  to  faith  and  repentance,  tread  it  under 
foot,  and  account  the  blood  of  the  covenant  an  unholy 
thhig,  (Heb.  X.  29.)  it  will  one  di'v  still  more  loudly 
cry  cut  for  vengeance. 


ON    MOUNT   GOLGOTlfA.  ^^61 

II.  We  now  proceed  to  consider  the  ceremonies 
observed,  with  regard  to  the  blood  of  the  sacrifices,  in 
the  Old  Testament ;  and  these  are  chiefly  the  follow- 
ing : 

1.  The  shedding  of  the  blood.  This  was  done  by 
slaying  the  victim  that  was  to  be  offered ;  its  throat 
being  cut  with  a  sacrificing  knife,  so  that  the  blood 
was  all  drained  out  of  the  animal's  body,  (Lev.  i.  5.) 

2.  The  receiving  the  blood.  As  the  blood  of  the 
victim  was  shed,  so  was  it  received  into  a  vessel,  which 
one  of  the  priests  held  for  that  purpose. 

3.  The  sprinkling  of  the  blood.  In  some  sacri- 
fices,  the  blood  was  sprinkled  on  the  horns  or  Cf  .rners 
of  the  brazen  altar,  (Lev.  iii.  2,  13.)  In  others,  it 
was  sprinkled  on  the  horns  of  the  golden  altar  of  in- 
cense, in  the  sanctuary,  (Lev.  iv.  7,  18.)  Sometimes 
it  was  sprinkled  against  the  Ark  of  the  Covenant  in 
the  Holy  of  Holies,  (Lev.  xvi.  14,  15.)  In  , other 
cases,  even  the  book  of  the  law,  and  the  people,  and 
the  consecrated  vessels  of  the  tabernacle,  weie  sprink- 
led with  blood,  (Heb.  ix.   19,  21.) 

4.  The  pouring  out  of  the  blood  at  the  foot  of  the 
altar,  (Lev.  iv.  7.)  Now  there  were  in  the  temple 
certain  conduits,  by  which  the  blood  was  carried  off 
into  the  brook  Cedron. 

5.  The  carrying  of  the  blood  into  the  Holy  of  Ho- 
lies. Tkis  was  done  only  once  a  }'ear,  on  the  great 
day  of  atonement. 

Let  us,  in  the  next  place,  with  a  holy  reverence, 
consider  the  mysteries,  which  the  wisdom  of  God  has 
caused  to  be  typified  by  these  ceremonies.  For  none 
of  them  were  arbitrary,  or  without  a  meaning  ;  but 
the  Supreme  Wisdom,  by  which  the  whole  Le\itical 
service  was  instituted,  had  its  secret  views  in  these 
bloody  sacrifices,  to  vv^iich  they  were  all  directed. 
For  as  the  sacrifice  of  the  blood,  in  general,  typified 
the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ ;  so  the  ceremonies  which 
accompanied  the  sacrifices,  likewise  prefigured  the  cir- 
cumstances that  attended  the  sacrifice  of  Jesus  Christ, 

VOL.    IT.  z   z 


662  CHRIST'S     SUFFERINGS 

1.  The  shedding  of  the  blood  of  the  victim,  that 
was  sacrificed,  represented  the  shedding  of  the  presci- 
ous  blood  of  Christ,  of  which  our  blessed  Saviour  says, 
(Matt.  xxvi.  28.)  'This  is  my  blood,  which  was  shed 
for  many,  for  the  remission  of  sins.'  Now,  the  blood 
of  Jesus  Christ  was  very  copiously  shed  in  his  suffer- 
ings. It  was  shed  in  great  drops  during  his  agony  in 
the  garden  on  the  Mount  of  Olives,  whither  he  went 
across  the  brook  Cedron,  into  which  the  blood  of  the 
s  icrifice  was  conveyed  from  the  temple.  It  was  shed 
when  he  was  cruellv  scoursred.  It  was  shed  when  he 
was  crowned  with  thorns.  It  was  shed  at  his  cruci- 
fixion, when  tlie  nails  were  driven  through  both  his 
hands  and  feet.  Lastly,  it  was  shed  by  piercing  his 
iiide  with  a  spear,  even  after  his  death.  The  remain- 
ing part  of  the  blood  which  in  death  had  collected  it- 
self about  the  heart,  f'  om  all  the  veins,  had  a  free  pas- 
sage totally  to  run  out.  Thus  was  the  blood  of  our 
Redeemer  abundantly  shed  for  us. 

2.  The  receiving  the  blood  of  the  victim  in  a  par- 
ticular vessel,  which  was  held  under  bv  one  of  the 
prif  sts,  indicates  in  general  the  reverence  and  holiness 
which  oueht  to1)e  observed  towards  the  blood  of  Je- 
sus  Christ,  and  the  sacrifice  offered.  The  Apostle,  in 
the  epistle  to  the  Hebrews,  (chap.  x.  29.)  speaks  of 
some  who  accounted  the  blood  of  the  Covenant  an 
unholy  thing,  and  as  it  were,  trod  under  foot  the  Son 
of  God.  But  he  intimates,  that  the  punishment  of 
such  profane  persons  will  be  very  grievous  at  the  last 
day. 

3.  The  sprinkling  of  the  blood.  Of  this  ceremony 
the  Jews  make  great  account,  and  call  it  the  root  of 
the  sacrifice ;  ho\^ver  it  prefigured  many  mysteries 
of  the  New  Testament. 

4.  The  pouring  forth  the  blood  of  the  sacrifice  at 
the  foot  of  the  altar,  represents,  with  regard  to  Christ, 
the  abundant  shedding  of  his  blood  on  the  cross,  till 
the  absolute  separation  of  his  body  and  soul.  For  it 
is  said  of  Clirist,  '  He  hath  poui^eU  out  his  soul  unto 


0»  MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  363 

death,'  (Isaiah  liii.  12.)  and  consequently  he  poured 
ou<-  his  blood  with  the  utmost  wilUngness,  and  ovcr- 
floudng  zeal,  for  the  honour  of  God,  and  the  unspeak- 
able good  of  mankind. 

5.  Lastly,  the  High  Priest,  by  entering  with  the 
b;ood  of  the  sacrifice  into  the  Holy  of  Holies,  shewed 
that  Christ,  after  shedding  his  blood  on  the  cross, 
would  enter  into  tlie  heavenly  sanctuary,  there  to  ap- 
pear in  the  presence  of  God  for  us. 

Let  us  now  all,  without  delay,  comply  with  the  fol- 
lowing exhortation  of  St.  Paul,  (Heb.  x.  19.)  '  Hav- 
ing therefore,  brethren,  boldness  to  enter  into  the 
Holiest  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  by  a  new  and  living 
Way,  which  he  hath  consecrated  for  us  through  the 
vail,  that  is  to  say,  his  flesh,  and  having  an  High 
Priest  over  the  house  of  God,  let  us  draw  near  v/ith 
a  true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having  our 
hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our  bo- 
dies washed  with  pure  water.  I^et  us  hold  U:-A  the 
profession  of  our  faith  without  wavering,  for  he  is 
faithful  that  has  promised ;  and  let  us  consider  one 
another  to  provoke  unto  love,  a')d  to  good  works:  Not 
forsaking  the  assembling  of  ousrlves  together,  as  the 
manner  of  some  is;  but  exkorring  one  anothrr,  and 
so  much  the  more,  as  ye  see  ihe  cKy  approaching.' 

Moreover,  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  has  a  particu- 
lar use,  in  ^vhich  it  differs  from  the  typifying  biood  of 
the  victims  in  the  Old  Testam<.nt.  No  person,  under 
pain  of  death,  was  to  drink  of  the  latter;  t)ut  Clirist 
says  on  the  contrary,  in  the  New  Testament,  '  Drink 
ye  all  of  this,  my  blood,  &:c.'  (Matt.  xxvi.  27,  28.) 
Nay  even  death  is  threatened  in  the  gospel  to  those, 
who  will  not  partake  of  it :  '  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto 
you,  except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  .%lan,  and 
drink  his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in  you,'  (John  vi.  53.) 
On  the  other  hand  life  is  promised  to  those,  who  drink 
it  with  true  faith :  '  Whoso  eateth  my  fles;:,  and 
drinketh  my  blood,  hath  eternal  life  ;  and  I  will  raise 
Jiim  at  the  last  day.     For  my  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and 


"364  cimisT's  sufferings 

my  blood  is  drink  indeed.  He  that  eateth  my  flesh, 
and  drinketh  my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,' 
(John  vi.  54,  55,  56.)  This  eating  of  the  flesh  of 
Christ,  and  drinking  his  blood,  is  figuratively  done  in 
the  holy  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper,  to  which  the 
Son  of  God  undoubtedly  here  alludes. 

THE     PRAYER. 

O  THOU  faithful  and  ever- living  Saviour,  we  bless, 
we  praise  and  extol  thee  for  shedding  thy  precious 
blood  on  the  cross,  in  our  stead,  and  for  pouring  out 
thy  soul  unto  death,  in  order  to  redeem  us  from  death 
eternal.  Grant  that  we  may  never  forget  this  inesti- 
mable benefit ;  and  be  pleased  incessantly  to  renew 
the  thoughts  of  it  in  our  souls.  Thou,  O  my  Savi- 
our, by  the  shedding  of  thy  blood  on  the  cross,  hast 
accomplished  the  whole  work  of  redemption  ;  so  that 
there  is  no  need  that  thou  shouldest  die  again,  and  of- 
fer thyself  a  second  time,  since  by  one  sacrifice  of 
thyself,  once  oflfered,  thou  hast  perfected  all  those  who 
shall  be  sanctified.  Give  us  grace,  O  blessed  Jesus, 
to  make  a  faithful  application  of  thy  sacrifice,  and 
gratefully  to  commemorate  it  in  the  sacrament  which 
thou  hast  instituted,  until  thy  coming  again.    Amen. 


CONSIDERATION  XIII. 

THE     WATER    WHICH     FLdWED    FROM    THE     ROCK, 

A    TYPE     OF    THE    WATER    WHICH    ISSUED 

FORTH   FROM    OUR    SAVIv^Ur's    SIDE. 

*  AND  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel 
journeyed  from  the  wilderness  of  sin,  after  their  jour- 
nies,  according  to  the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  and 
pitched  in  Rephidim  :  And  there  \\  as  no  water  for 
the  people  to  drink.  Wiierefore  the  people  did  chide 
with  Moses,  and  said.  Give  us  water,  that  we  may 
drink.  And  Moses  said  unto  them,  why  chide  you 
with  me  ?  Wherefore  do  ye  tempt  the  Lord  ?    And 


■M 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  365 

the  people  thirsted  there  for  water,  and  the  people 
murmured  against  Moses,  and  said,  Wherefore  is 
this,  that  thou  hast  brought  us  out  of  Egypt,  to  kill 
us,  and  our  children,  and  our  cattle,  with  thirst  ?  And 
Moses  cried  unto  the  Lord,  saying.  What  shall  I  do 
unto  this  people  ?  They  be  almost  ready  to  stone  me. 
And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  on  before  the 
people,  and  take  with  thee  of  the  elders  of  Israel :  And 
thy  rod,  wherewith  thou  smotest  the  river,  take  in 
thine  hand,  and  go,  behold,  I  will  stand  before  thee, 
upon  the  rock  in  Horeb ;  and  thou  shalt  smite  the 
rock,  and  there  shall  come  water  out  of  it,  that  tne 
people  may  drink.  And  Moses  did  so,  in  the  sight 
of  the  elders  of  Israel.'  (Exod.  xvii.  1 — 6.) 

In  these  words  wt  have  an  account  of  a  surprising 
miracle  which  God  ^vrought  in  the  deserts  of  Arabia. 
The  occasion  of  this  wonderful  display  of  the  Divine 
power,  was  the  ^vant  of  water.  For  though  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  had  plenty  of  fiesh  and  bread,  to  satisfy 
their  hunger ;  the  quails  lying  in  heaps  about  their 
tents,  and  the  manna  falling  every  night  on  the  earth  ; 
yet  they  were  in  extreme  want  of  water.  Thus  God, 
in  his  wisdom,  seldom  gives  men  at  once  every  thing 
they  wish  for  ;  but  permits  them  to  feel  the  want  of 
something,  in  order  to  keep  them  in  continual  disci- 
pline, and  oblige  them  to  look  up  to  his  all-dispensing 
hand.  In  this  exigency,  the  Israelites  returned  to 
their  impious  mistrust  of  the  Divine  providence,  even 
so  as  to  break  out  in  menacing  murmurs,  against  Mo- 
ses. Thus,  the  distress  which  now  came  upon  them 
discovered  the  wickedness,  that  lay  concealed  in  their 
obdurate  hearts.  At  the  waters  of  Marah,  which  were 
miraculously  sweetened  for  their  use, and  at  the  twelve 
wells  of  Elim,  they  shewed  no  distrust,  or  want  of 
faith.  But  no  sooner  were  they  again  in  want  of  wa- 
ter, but  their  unbelief  n\anifested  itself  in  wicked  mur- 
murs. Thus  it  is,  to  this  very  day.  While  men  are 
surrounded  with  plenty  and  affluence,  they  abound  in 
faith,  and  trust  in  God.    But  when  God  deprives  them 


266  Christ's  SUFFERINGS 

of  their  riches,  &c.  and  puts  them  to  the  test,  how  far 
they  believe  in  him ;  then  they  are  too  apt  to  betray 
their  want  of  belief.  The  children  of  Israel  oua:ht  to 
have  been  contented  and  easy,  notvi^ithstanding  this 
want  of  water ;  since  they  were  assured,  that  it  was 
not  by  any  mistake  of  their  leader,  but  by  God's  com- 
mand, that  they  were  come  into  this  barren  wilder- 
ness, in  which  there  was  no  water :  For  it  is  said  in 
the  text,  *  They  journeyed  according  to  the  command- 
ments of  the  Lord.'  But  this  unthinking  people  did 
not  look  up  unto  God,  nor  attend  to  the  motion  of  his 
hand,  which  had  brought  them  into  these  streights ; 
but  in  their  impatience,  they  murmured  and  exclaimed 
against  Moses,  the  glorious  instrument  that  God  was 
pleased  to  make  use  of  to  conduct  them  through  tlie 
wilderness.  They  did  not  have  recourse  to  their  Al- 
mighty Creator,  and  pray  to  him  for  water,  in  their 
distress  ;  but  they  went  to  Moses,  and  peremptorily 
insisted  on  his  providing  water  for  their  use  :  *  Give 
us  water,  say  they,  that  we  may  drink,'  However, 
though  these  words  proceeded  from  a  very  wicked 
disposition ;  yet  may  we  borrow  them  from  these 
thirsty  Israelites,  and,  with  a  better  frame  of  mind, 
apply  them  to  Jesus  Christ,  saying,  '  Give  us  water, 
that  we  may  drmk.'  This  our  blessed  Lord  himself 
lias  permitted  us  to  do.  For  it  is  not  only  to  the  Sa- 
maritan woman,  but  to  every  one  of  us,  that  Jesus  says, 
*  If  thou  knewest  the  gift  of  God,  and  who  it  is  that 
saiihto  thte,  give  me  to  drink,  thou  wouidest  have 
asked  of  him,  and  he  would  have  given  thte  living 
water,'  (John  iv.  iO,  &:c.) 

Moses  indeed  briefly  remonstrates  to  them,  that 
their  misbehaviour  was  very  sinful,  and  says,  '  Why 
chide  you  with  me  ?  VVHierefore  do  ye  tempt  the 
Lord  ?'  But  he  did  not  think  it  advi>.i;blc  to  enter  in- 
to a  long  expostulation  with  this  infatu.ited  multitude, 
Avho  were  already  looking  out  for  stones  to  assault 
him.  He  then  addressed  himself  to  God ;  and  in- 
treated  him  not  to  revenge  and  punish  such  murder- 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  367 

t)us  intentions,  but  to  give  him  direction  and  assist- 
ance in  such  a  critical  time.  Now  as  Moses,  in  this 
instance,  is  a  follower  of  God  by  his  patience  and 
loiig-suffering ;  so  we  ought  to  imitate  Moses,  and 
in  the  like  circumstances  to  possess  our  souls  in  pa- 
tience and  gentleness. 

God,  by  the  intercession  of  his  faithful  servant 
Moses,  is  prevailed  upon  to  work  a  miracle,  to  remove 
the  people's  distress  ;  upon  which  their  fury  subsided. 
For  this  end,  Moses  is  directed  to  go  to  a  rock  on 
Mount  Horeb.  The  omnipotence  of  God  could  have 
raised  a  cloud  from  the  sea,  and  after  having  driven  it 
by  the  wind  to  the  wilderness,  have  dissolved  it  in  rain; 
or  have  caused  a  spring  to  gush  out  of  the  earth,  with 
■which  the  people  might  have  quenched  their  thirst. 
But  God  was  pleased  to  bring  forth  abundance  of 
water,  by  cleaving  a  hard  rock.  Thus,  he  did  not 
only  give  a  more  manifest  proof  of  his  omnipotence, 
in  accomplishing  his  design  by  such  improbable 
means ;  but  likewise  intended  to  make  the  Israelites 
ashamed  of  the  hardness  of  their  hearts,  and  at  the  same 
time  by  f;hese  circumstances,  to  shadow  out  some 
future  event  of  a  sublimer  nature.  Moses  was  to 
strike  this  rock  with  the  same  rod,  with  which  he 
had  performed  his  wonders  in  Lgypt,  and  had  divided 
the  waters  of  the  red  sea.  God  reminds  Mo^es  of 
this  circumstance,  in  the  following  words  :  '  Take  in 
thine  hand  thy  rod  wherewith  thou  smotest  the  river  ;* 
so  that  by  recollecting  the  former  miracle,  Moses's 
faith  might  be  strengthened,  and  the  unbelief  of  the 
people  confounded. 

Two  sorts  of  spectators  were  present  at  the  strik- 
ing of  this  rock  ; 

1.  Christ  himself,  in  the  pillar  of  tlie  cloud,  who  is 
supposed  to  say  in  the  text,  '  Behold,  I  will  stand  be- 
fore thee  there,  upon  the  rock  in  Horeb,'  i.  e.  I  will 
manifest  myself  in  my  glory,  over  the  r(3ck  that  shall 
be  struck.  But  Christ  is  by  no  means  to  be  thought 
a  mere   spectator  on  this  occasion.     It  was  by  his 


368  chuist's  surrERiNGs 

power,  that  this  miracle  was  to  be  performed.  As  he 
had  before  directed  the  flight  of  the  quails  to  the 
wilderness,  and  cnused  them  to  come  and  fall  down 
among  the  tents  of  the  children  of  Israel ;  so  now  he, 
in  a  wonderful  manner,  directs  the  course  of  the  water 
to  this  rock. 

2.  The  other  class  of  spectators  were  the  elders  of 
the  people ;  who  were  appointed  to  be  witnesses 
of  this  miracle.  The  bulk  of  the  people,  by  their 
unbelief,  had  rendered  the  ;  selves  unworthy  of  see- 
ing this  operation  of  the  Divine  omnipotence. 

In  the  presence  of  the  above  mentioned  spectators, 
Moses  struck  the  rock  \vith  his  rod,  and  in  an  instant 
produced  a  copious  stream  of  living  water,  as  appears 
from  several  other  passages  of  scripture,  (Psalm 
ixxviii.  15,  16.  cv.  41.  cxiv.  8.  Isaiah  xlviii.  21.) 

It  we  would  search  deeper  into  the  mystery  of  this 
remarkable  transaction  ;  St.  Paul,  who  is  an  unexcep* 
tionabie  authority  as  to  the  true  intention  of  God, 
throws  a  great  light  upon  it  in  these  words  :  '  Our 
fathers  did  all  drink  the  same  spiritual  drink  ;  for 
they  drank  of  that  spiritual  rock  that  followed  them  ; 
and  that  rock  was  Christ,'  (1  Cor.  x.  4.)  From 
these  words  we  may  learn  two  things, 

First,  That  the  rock  which  Moses  struck  had  a 
spiritual  import,  and  represented  Christ. 

Secondly,  That  the  water,  which  flowed  from  the 
rock,  had  also  a  spiritual  meaning ;  hence  it  is  termed 
by  the  Apostle,  a  '  spiritual  drink,'  i.  e.  drink  which 
typified  something  spiritual. 

Our  blessed  Saviour,  in  several  passages  of  the  Old 
Testament,  when  described  as  a  protector  and  deli- 
verer of  his  people,  is  Cvalled  a  rock.  Moses  speaks 
thus  of  the  Israelites  :  Jesurun  vraxed  fat  and  kicked, 
and  forsook  God  who  made  him,  and  lightly  esteemed 
the  rock  of  his  salvation,'  (Deut,  xxxii  15.)  or,  as  the 
original  phrase  imports,  treated  him  like  a  fool,  or  an 
idiot. 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  369 

A  rock  is  hard,  permanent,  and  immovable ;  and 
therefore  a  proper  type  to  prefigure, 

1.  The  eternity  and  immutabilit}^  of  Christ. 

2.  His  invincible  firmness  and  strength. 

3.  His  being  an  asylum  to  some,  and  an  offence  to 
others. 

Those,  who  in  confidence  of  faith  fly  to  him  for 
refuge,  find  safety  and  protection.  Thus  anciently, 
in  time  of  war,  the  people  betook  themselves  to  the 
highest  rocks  for  safety  against  the  attacks  of  llie 
enemy.  But  thev,  who  through  unbelief  das,h  them- 
selves against  this  spiritual  rock,  do  it  to  their  owii 
destruction.  Hence  Christ  is  stiled  in  scripture,  '  a 
rock  of  offence  and  a  stumbling  stone,'  (Kom.  ix.  32, 
33.  1  Peter  ii.  8.)  Thus  we  see,  how  very  properly 
our  blessed  Saviour  is  in  general  compared  to  a  rock. 

But  this  rock,  of  which  we  are  now  treating,  repre- 
sents Christ  only  in  one  particular,  namely,  that  wheu 
it  was  struck  with  Moses's  rod,  it  sent  forth  Vv'ater-; 
and  in  this  event  we  find  a  two-fold  mystery. 

First,  The  sufferings  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Secondly,  The  abundant  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
which  our  blessed  Saviour  has  acquired  for  us  by  his 
sufferings. 

The  former  is  represented  by"  striking  the  rock  with 
the  lawgiver's  rod  ;  and  the  second  is  typified  by  the 
plenty  of  water  which  this  stroke  produced.  These 
two  particulars  we  shall  now  enlarge  upon ;  and  ob- 
serve the  wonderful  resemblance  between  the  type  uriJ 
the  great  Antitype. 

I.  The  following  resemblances  may  be  observed 
between  the  rock  that  was  struck,  and  Chris:  under 
his  sufferings. 

1.  The  rock  Horeb  derived  its  name  from  its  aridi- 
ty ;  for  it  was  a  dry  parched  rock,  which  seems  but 
ill  adapted  to  be  a  copious  spring  of  water,  to  quench 
the  thirst  of  such  a  numerous  people.  Thus,  it  is  said 
of  our  blessed  Saviour  in  his  state  of  abasement,  'He 
shall  grow  up  as  a  tender  plant  and  as  u  root  out  of  u 

VOL.  II.  A  a  a 


370  Christ's  sufpe rings 

dry  ground,'  (Isaiah  liii.  2.)  The  Pharisees  and  rulers 
oFthe  ptople,  his  enemies,  were  persons  of  wtahh  and 
distinction,  and  flourished  like  a  green  bay  tree, 
(Psahn  xxxvii.  35.)  but  of  the  N'essiah  it  is  said, 
'  When  we  shall  see  him,  there  is  no  beauty  that  we 
should  desire  him,'  (Isaiah  liii.  2.)  His  mean  appear- 
ance like  a  servant,  his  obscure  parentage  and  other 
circumstances  externally  despicable,  rendered  him  a 
rock  of  offence  to  his  people,  a  stone  which  the  build- 
ers rejected. 

2.  i'he  rock  out  of  which  the  water  was  to  flow, 
was  pointed  out  to  Moses  by  God  himself.  In  like 
manner  Christ  was  appomted  by  his  Father  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world,  to  be  the  Saviour  of  mankindj 
and  the  spring  of  living  waters. 

3.  T!ie  glory  of  the  Lord  manifcs':ed  itself  over  the 
rock  which  was  struck,  in  the  pillar  of  the  cloud  :  '  Be- 
hold, I  will  stand  before  thee  there  upon  the  rock  in 
H(jreb.'  'I'hus  the  visible  human  nature  of  Jesus,  the 
rock  of  salvation,  was  personally  united  with  the  Di- 
vine glory,  which  dw.  lied  within  it  much  more  essen- 
tially than  it  did  anciently  in  the  cloud.  Nay,  the 
Divine  glory  displayed  itself  in  Christ  even  in  the  low- 
est state  of  hishumiiio.tion;  for,  notwithstandino;  all  the 
indignities  and  insults  that  were  ofitred  him,  some  rays 
of  the  divinity  beamed  in  the  eyes  of  the  Roman 
officer  who  stood  at  the  cross,  so  that  he  cried  out, 
'  Truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God  !' 

4.  The  rock,  on  which  God  tlvas  manifested  his 
glory,  was  struck  by  his  direction  ;  so  Jesus  Christ, 
the  rock  of  sahatii  n,  was  wounded b}  the  permission, 
and  according  to  the  predeterminate  counsel  and  will 
of  God  ;  wh  )  bays  by  the  prophet,  '  Awake,  O  sword, 
against  my  Shtplu  rd,  and  the  man  that  is  my  fellow, 
sailh  the  Lord  of  hosts,'  (Zech.  xiii.  7.)  The  strokes 
which  our  spiritual  rock  suftered,  are  the  inward  and 
outward  sufierings  of  Jesus  Christ. 

5.  1  he  rock  ol  Horeb  was  struck  at  a  time  when  all 
Isrcai  rebelled  against  the  Lord  and  his  servant  Moses, 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  371 

and  consequently  little  deserved  so  great  a  benefit — 
Thus  the  rock  of  salvation  was  smitten  by  God,  and 
made  a  spring  of  living  water,  when  Israel  committed 
the  greatest  ofsins,  by  reviling  and  insulting  the  rock 
of  their  salvation. 

6.  The  rock  \vas  struck  in  the  presence  of  tlie  ciders 
of  Israel,  who  were  witnesses  of  the  miracle.  Thus  the 
elders  of  the  people,  the  scribes,  and  the  rulers  stood 
under  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  saw  how  this  rock  of 
our  salvation  was  stricken  and  afflicted,  (Matt,  xxvii. 
41.   Luke  xxiii.  35.) 

II.  We  come,  in  the  second  place,  to  consider  th.e 
water  which  came  fortli  from  the  rock  ;  on  which  we 
shall  make  the  following  observations  : 

First,  This  water  typified  the  rich  abundance  of 
grace,  procured  for  us  by  the  sufferings  of  Chirist. 

Secondly,  As  the  watei  did  not  come  forth  until 
after  the  rock  had  been  struck,  and  tlie  glory  of  Ood 
had  manifested  itself  above  it ;  so  likewise  the  Holy 
Ghost  was  not  poured  forth  in  a  visible  manner,  till  the 
blessed  Jesus  had  feit  the  curse  of  the  law,  satisfied  the 
justice  of  God,  terminated  his  sufferings  in  death,  imd 
was  again  raised  and  received  into  glory.  Hence  the 
Evangelist  says,  '  The  Holy  Gb.ost  was  not  yet  given, 
because  Jesus  was  not  yet  giorified,'  (John  vii.  38.  39.) 

Thirdly,  As  the  rock  of  Horeb  did  not  yield  only 
a  few  drops,  but  whole  streams  of  water  issued  fi'om  it, 
which  allayed  the  present  thirst  of  the  people,  and 
afterwards  ran  in  the  dry  places  like  a  ri\'er,  (Psalm 
cv.  41.)  to  serve  the  people  in  any  future  exigency; 
so  the  rock  of  our  salvation,  being  sraitcen  and  wound- 
ed, is  become  a  copious  spring  oi" living  waters,  so  that 
this  water  of  life  is  sufficient  to  salibfy  all  the  whol^ 
Israel  of  God,  in  their  pilgrimage  througli  tinic  into 
eternity. 

Approach  to  this  living  water,  ye  who  still  quencli 
your  thirst  in  the  impure  streams  of  sinful  Itists,  and 
drink  iniquity  as  a  thirsty  man  does  water,  'irar.y 
man  thirst,  saithour  blessed  Saviour,  lei  him  come  lo 


372  €iillLISTS  SUFPERINCS 

mc,  and  cirlnk  :  but  this  he  spake  of  the  Spirit,'  as  the 
Evanj^elist  informs  us,  (John  vii.  37.  39.)  These  are 
The  words  of  your  benevolent  Saviour,  who  ardently 
desires  your  salvation,  Let  them  not  therefore  pass 
by  y  our  ears  to  no  purpose.  Behold,  for  }  our  sake  he 
has  suffered  himself  to  be  smitten  and  wounded ;  and  by 
his  meritorious  sufferings  has  acquired  tor  you  the 
spirit  of  grace,  which  in  his  gospel  you  are  freely  invit- 
ed to  receive. 

Come  unto  him  also,  ye  who  pant  after  grace,  as  the 
hart  panteth  after  the  refreshing  stream ;  and  be  not 
deterred  from  approaching  him  by  the  sense  of  your 
"un worthiness.  Who  could  be  more  unworthy  to  re- 
ceive water  from  the  rock,  than  the  seditious  Isrealites 
in  the  desert  ?  Yet,  notwithstanding  all  their  mur- 
muring, the  mercy  of  God  opened  to  them  a  copious 
spring  of  water. 

Lastly,  Come  to  those  waters  which  flow  from  the 
rock  of  salvation,  ye  who  have  already  experienced 
thtir  enliv^ening  virtue.  Draw  cheerfully  out  of  his 
inexhaustible  fulness,  and  then  you  shall  never  thirst. 

THE    PRAYER. 

O  MY  Saviour,  whose  merit  is  infinite,  be  pleased 
so  to  dispose  our  hearts,  as  to  become  partakers  of 
the  living  waters  of  thy  spirit.  Create  in  us  a  loath- 
ing of  the  turbid  waters  of  sinful  pleasures,  and  kindle 
in  us  an  ardent  thirst  after  thy  grace.  JVlay  we  drink 
abundantly  of  tlie  salutary  streinns  of  thy  comforts, 
that  vre  may  nrrive  to  those  blissful  regions,  where  wc 
shall  never  thirst  anv  more.     Amen. 


CONSIDERATIO::  XIV. 

TJIi:      LAST      IIOiVOURS     PAID       iO       i  Ji  E       EODV    OP 
THE    LOK])    JESUC, 

^  AND  now,  when  the  even  was  come,  because  it 
^vas  the  prepiravion,  that  is,  tlic  day  before  the  Sab- 
bath, came  a  rvzh  man  of  Arimatlie:T,'a  city  of  the  Jews, 


ON   MOUNT  COLCOTHA.  '375 

named  Joseph  ;  he  was  an  honourable  counsellor,  and 
a  good  man  and  a  just :  The  same  had  not  consented 
to  the  counsel  and  deed  of  them,  who  also  was  a 
disciple  of  Jesus,  (but  secretly,  for  fear  of  the  Jews) 
and  waited  for  the  kingdom  of  God :  He  went  in  boldly 
unto  Pilate,  and  besought  him  that  he  might  take  a^iay 
the  body  of  Jesus.  And  Pilate  marvelled  if  h.c  were 
already  dead;  and  calling  unto  him  the  Centurion, 
be  asked  him,  whether  he  had  been  any  while  dead  ? 
And  when  he  knew  it  of  the  Centurion,  he  gave  the 
body  of  Jesus  to  Jos-ph,  and  commanded  it  to  be  de- 
livered to  him.  And  Joseph  bought  fine  linen.  And 
there  came  also  Nicodemus  who  at  the  first  came 
unto  Jesus  by  night,  and  brought  a  mixture  of 
myrrh  and  aloes,  about  an  hundred  pound  vvei£;nt, — 
Then  took  they  the  body  of  Jesus,  and  wrapped  it  in 
the  clean  linen  and  wound  it  in  linen  clothes  with 
the  spices,  as  the  manner  of  the  Jews  is  to  bury,' 
(Matt,  xxvii.  57—59.  Mark  xv,  42— 4G.  Luke 
sxiii.    50 — 53.  John   xix.  38—40.) 

In  these  words  are  described  the  last  honours  paid 
to  the  breathless  corps  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 

First,  By  taking  it  down  from  the  cross. 

Secondly,  By  preparing  it  for  an  honourable  inter- 
ment. 

1.  Concerning  the  taking  down  of  our  Lord's  body 
from  the  cross,  the  evangelical  history  takes  notice. 

1.  Of  the  time  when  it  was  done. 

2.  The  instruments,  which  the  providence  of  God 
made  use  of  ior  that  end. 

1.  The  time  is  denoted  in  general  by  St.  John  in 
these  words,  'After  this,'  i.  e.  after  Christ  was  in 
reality  dead  on  the  cross,  and  his  side  hivd  been  pierc- 
ed with  a  spear  by  one  of  the  soldiers.  But  St.  Mark 
specifies  the  time  something  more  punctually,  and 
observes,  that  '  it  was  in  the  evening,'  i.  e.  according 
to  the  Jewish  computation  of  the  day,  between  the 
ninth  and  twelfth  hour,  or  according  to  our  method 
of  reckoning  tl^.e  iicurs,  between  ib.rcc  and  six  of  the 


374  Christ's  sufferings 

clock  in  the  afternoon  ;  when  the  sun  drew  near  the 
time  of  its  setting,  and  about  two  iiours  before  night 
came  on.  It  is  further  observed  by  the  Evangelist, 
that  it  was  the  evening  of  the  preparation,  or  the  day 
before  the  Sabbath.  Thus  it  was  a  vigil,  or  the  even 
of  a  day  which  was  kept  holy  on  a  double  account. 

Fn'st,  As  it  immediately  prrceded  the  Sabbath; 
hence  it  is  called,  the  day  before  the  Sabbath. 

Secondly,  As  it  ushered  in  the  feast  of  the  passover, 
which  fell  out  on  that  Sabbath ;  therefore  it  is  also 
termed  the  day  of  rest,  or  the  preparation  for  the  pass- 
over.  According  to  our  method  of  computing  the 
days  of  the  week,  it  was  the  Friday  on  which  the  Jews 
prepared  themselves  for  the  ensuing  S.ibbath,  which 
was  likewise  the  day  of  the  passover,  the  principal, 
and  the  most  sulemn  festival  observed  by  the  Jews. 
About  this  time,  the  rest  of  the  Jews  were  perform- 
ing their  hy])ocritical  devotions  in  the  temple.  But 
instead  of  this,  Joseph  and  Nicodemus  were  emplo}-- 
ed  in  paying  the  last  honours  to  the  breathless  corps 
of  our  blessed  Lord;  and  in  this  they  acted  agreeably 
to  the  words  of  Jesus,  namely,  that  niercy  is  better 
than  sacrifice.  This  eve  of  the  .Sabbath  was  a  vv.  ry 
proper  time  for  the  interment  of  the  Lord  Jesus ; 
since  the  Son  of  God  now  rested  from  the  work  of  re- 
demption, which  might  be  considered  partly  as  me 
conclusion  of  the  Sabbaths  instituted  in  the  Old 
Testament ;  ,?.nd  partly  as  a  preparation  for  the  great; 
Sabbath  of  the  New  Testament,  on  wiiich  the  people 
of  God  were  to  rest  from  the  laborious  service  of  the 
ceremonial  law. 

2.  The  instruments  which  the  Divine  providence 
was  pleased  to  make  use  of  on  this  occasion.  These 
had  been  before  made  known  i;}  t!ic  prophet  Isaiah, 
(Isaiah  liii.  9.)  who  s;iys,  that  l hi c  Messlaii  should,  in 
his  death,  be  with  the  rich,  &c.  But  what  little  ap- 
pearance was  there  of  the  accompiishnient  of  this 
prophecy  ;  since  the  most  wealthy  and  principal  per- 
sons of  the  Jewish  natiojij  not  only  rebelled  against 


ON   MOUNT     GOLGOTHA.  375 

this  King,  whom  God  had  determined  to  set  up  in 
Sion  ;  but  even  condemned  him  to  die.  However, 
the  eternal  wisdom  of  God  soon  provided  the  means 
to  fulfil  this  prophecy.  God  raised  up  two  persons 
to  perform  tliis  office,  of  whom  it  was  little  thought 
that  they  would  take  on  themselves  the  care  of  the 
body  of  a  crucified  person.  Thus,  when  in  any  in- 
stance we  have  the  Divine  promise  before  us,  though 
we  cannot  see  any  one  near  us,  who  is  likely  to  per- 
form it,  yet  we  must  not  despair  of  relief.  The 
Lord  will  provide  a  proper  instrument,  and  will  fulfil 
all  his  pre  inises.  But  the  chief  instrument  God  made 
use  of  on  this  occasion,  is  described, 

First,  By  his  name :  which  was  Joseph.  Thus, 
Joseph  signalized  his  faith  in  honouring  the  corps  of  a 
person,  who  had  died  on  the  cross  as  despised  and  de- 
jected of  men,  and  had  been  sentenced  to  death  as 
the  vilest  malefactor,  with  a  decent  interment.  He 
is  further  described. 

Secondly,  By  his  country.  As  Joseph  was  a  com- 
mon name  among  the  Jews,  this  person,  by  way  of  dis- 
tinction, is  stiled  Joseph  of  Arimathea.  This,  accord- 
ing to  St.  Luke,  was  a  town  of  Judea,  and  is  placed 
by  St.  Jerome  between  Lydda  and  Joppa;  but  others 
will  have  it  to  be  the  town  of  Ramah,  which  was  situ- 
ated on  a  hill  between  Joppa  and  Jerusalem. 

Thirdly,  He  is  further  described  by  his  external 
circumstances.  He  was  a  rich  man,  and  filled  an  ho- 
nourable post  either  in  the  sanhedrim,  or  in  the  city 
council  of  Jerusalem,  which  consisted  of  three  and 
twenty  persons  ;  hence  he  is  stiled  a  counsellor.  And 
thus  was  fulfilled  what  Isaiah  had  predicted  in  these 
words  :  '  And  he  made  his  grave  with  the  wicked,  and 
with  the  ricii  in  his  death,'  (Isaiah  liii.  9.)  The  mean- 
ing of  this  verse  in  the  original  is  properly  tliis  :  "  The 
grave  of  the  iMessiah  had  indeed  been  appointed  among 
the  wicked;"  i.  e.  it  had  been  agreed  to  bury  him 
with  contempt  in  some  infamous  place  among  the 
malefactors  ;   "  but  he  was  found  among  the  rich  af- 


376  c»uist's   SLrrFEUiNGS 

ter  his  death."  These  rich  men  were  Joseph  of  Ari- 
mathea,  and  Nicodemus  who  afterwards  joined  him- 
self to  the  foi  mer. 

Fourthly,  Joseph  is  described  according  to  his  in- 
ward quahties.     Some  of  these  were  such,  as  he  had 
in  common  with  many  other  persons  of  rank  in  those 
days.     Thus  he  is  stiled  by  St   Mark  an  honourable 
man  ;  but  St.  Luke  observes  that,  among  other  good 
qualities,  he  had  so  far  shewn  his  attachment  to  jus- 
tice and  equity,  as  to  act  according  to  the  dictates  of 
his  conscience ;  so  that  he  had  not  consented  to  the 
counsel  and  deed  of  our  Saviour's  enemies,  (Luke 
xxii.  51.)  Hence  it  is  evident,  that  he  either  did  not 
ipake  his  appearance  when  the  w^hole  council  assem- 
bled to  condemn  Jesus  ;   or,  if  he  was  present,  that  he 
did  not  join  in  the  vote  for  his  condemnation.     And 
if,  with  some  commentators,  we  suppose  him  to  have 
been  only  a  member  of  the  city  council ;  yet,  he  suffi- 
cientlv  expressed  his  disapprobation  of  the  unjust  pro- 
ceediuQ-s  of  the  Q-reat  council  asrainst  Jesus.     Thus  far 
he  might  iiave  proceeded  by  his  mere  natural  pro- 
bity, and  the  impulse  of  his  conscience,  winch  is  na- 
turally shocked  at  flagrant  acts  of  injustice  and  cru- 
elty.    But  St.  Luke,  in  terming  Joseph  '  a  good  man 
and  a  just,'  seems  to  allude  to  a  distinction  which  was 
common  among  the  Jews,  who  divided  mankind  into 
three  classes,  namely,  just  men,  good  men,  and  sin- 
ners, (Rom.   V.  6.   7.)     The  sinners  were  those  who 
perpetually  wronged,  injured,  and  did    violence    to 
others,  without  doing  good  to  any  one.     The  just 
were  those    who,  being  content  with  what  they  had, 
never  offered  to  molest  or  injure  others.     But  none 
were  stiled  good  men,  but  those  only  who  communi- 
cated of  tlieir  substance  to  the  poor  and  necessitous. 
This  last  was  Joseph's  character.     For  he  was 'not 
only  just,  injuring  no  one  ;  but  he  was  good,  benevo- 
lent, and  liberal  to  others.     He  was  just,  as   he  did 
not  consent  to  our  Saviour's  death.     He  was  a  good 
imd  generous  man ;  since  he  defrayed  the  charges  of 
his  burial,  v.hich  v;erG ycrv  considerable. 


ON  nroUNT   COLGOTHA,  5?7 

^nt  the  Evangelists  have  specified  more  sublime 
and  i.  xcellent  endowments  (^f  mind,  which  this  extra- 
ordinary person  was  possessed  of. 

1.  St.  John  says,  that  he  was  a  disciple  of  Jesus, 
i.  e.  he  accounted  Jesus  a  teacher  sent  from  God,  and 
his  doctrine  to  be  true  and  just,  and  ao-reeable  to  tlic 
writin.:^s  of  M  )ses  and  the  prophets.  He  was,  conse- 
quently, not  only  a  hearer  of  oiu'  blessed  Lord,  but  an* 
obedienr  and  zalous  observer  of  his  doctrine.  Ac- 
cording- to  S  .  M  'tt.'iew'saccoum,  he  had  soiiiiproved 
the  knowledi^e  which  he  had  acquired  of  the  doctrine 
of  Clirisi,  that  he  himself  hav!  m  ;de  disciples  or  con- 
verts to  Jesua  ;  htviiij^,  every  wiicre,  in  Ins  con\'er- 
sation  with  others,  introduced  something  whicli  mipiit 
afford  matter  of  reflection,  and  c  .u^e  tb.em  to  c  ittcr- 
tiin  hiohcr  thougiits  of  the  despised  Jesus.  How- 
ever, as  St.  John  observes,  ail  this  he  had  done  pri- 
vately, foi  fear  of  the  Jews;  and  especially  his  col- 
leagues, who  hid  past  a  decree  to  excommunicate  all 
those  who  should  acknowledge  Jesus  to  be  the  Mes- 
siah, (John  ix.  :.2.  xii  4J.)  This  fear  of  man  uas 
indeed  a  foible  ;  but  as  he  had  a  well  disposed  mind, 
and  a  sincere  love  to  Christ,  God,  in  this  weak  instru- 
ment, manifested  a  power  which  calls  for  ouradmir:'.- 
tio.i.  While  the  blessed  Jesus  was  alive,  and  v\^hile 
he  was  esteemed,  followed  and  admired,  by  multitudes, 
Joseph  was  a  secret  disciple,  for  fear  of  the  Jev.'s; 
whereas  now,  when  pur  blessed  Saviour  was  de;id, 
and  his  cause  was  desjx^rate,  Joseph's  fear  vanislies, 
and  he  pubiiiiy  shev/s  himself  a  zealous  discip.ie  of 
Him,  whom  the  Jewish  rulers  had  crucified.  Thus, 
his  faith  gave  him  the  victory,  and  triumphed  over  the 
world  and  the  fear  of  man.     But, 

2.  Si.  Mark  adds  :  '  He  waited  for  tlie  kingdoni 
of  G  >d.'  Thus,  his  mind  must  have  been  pret- 
ty free  from  the  reigning  prejudices  of  the  Jews  ;  lor 
according  to  their  notio.i,  the  kingdom  of  the  Mes- 
siah was  to  be  a  woncUy  and  temporal  sovereignty. 
But  Jos.  ph  ^yilited  for  the  kingdom  of  God,  namely, 

VOL,  \i,  B  bb 


ii78  Christ's  sufferiucs 

that  splrilnal  king-dom  which  was  to  bp  founded  by 
the  Messiah,  who  himself  had  declared,  that  the  king- 
dom of  God  was  come,  (M  .rk  i.  15.)  Therefore, 
Joseph  was  not  offended  at  the  sufferings  and  deatli 

*of  Christ,  like  those  who  were  filled  with  chimerical 
notions  of  the  conquests,  pomp,  and  glory  of  the- 
Messiah's  earthly  kingdom. 

Fifthly,  and  lastly,  He  is  described  by  the  regard 

'  he  shewed  to  the  Lord  Jesus.  It  is  said  in  the  evan- 
gelical history,  'He  went  in  boldly  unto  Pilate.'  His 
faith  inspired  him  with  courage  ;  and  though  reason 
represented  to  him  the  many  difficulties  attending  this 
affair,  instead  of  being  deterred  by  them,  he  resolved 
at  all  events,  whatever  judgment  the  public  might 
pass  on  it,  or  whatever  danger  he  might  incur  from  the 
cruelty  of  our  Saviour's  enemies,  to  be  wanting  in  no 
endeavours  for  procuring  the  body  of  Jesus.  And 
though  it  could  not  but  be  disagreeable  to  a  man  of 
his  probity  and  delicate  conscience,  to  ask  a  favour  of 
such  an  unjust  and  profligate  judge  ;  yet  he  repaired 
to  his  hall  of  judgment,  in  which  the  chief  priests  and 
eiders,  out  ol  their  pharasaical  hypocris} ,  would  not 
set  a  foot,  and  desired  leave  of  Piiate  to  take  down  the 
body  of  Jesus  from  the  cross,  in  order  to  bury  it ;  for 
this  could  not  be  done  without  a  licence  from  the  Ro- 
man governor,  who  was  the  supreme  magistrate.  But 
as  Christ  had  been  lifted  up  on  the  cross,  by  the  sen- 
tence of  the  magistrate  ;  so  it  was  God's  pleasure,  tluit 
he  should  be  taken  down  by  the  same  means,  namely, 
by  a  licence  from  the  judge.  Now  Pimte,  well  know- 
ing that  crucified  persons  often  lived  two  or  three 
days  on  the  cross,  wondered  to  hear  that  Jesus  was 
already  dead  ;  and  even  that  he  liad  expired  be  lore  an 
end  was  put  to  his  life,  by  breaking  his  k p;s.  How- 
ever, having  sent  for  'he  Centurion  who  eoir.manded 
the  party  of  soldiers  at  the  cross,  and  making  a  jx.rti- 
cular  encjuiry  into  the  affair,  lie  found  by  the  officer 
that  all  tiiesc  circumstances  were  true.  There  It  ^re, 
when  he  was  assured  that  Jesus  was  really  dead,  he 
granted  Joseph's  request. 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  '  279 

Who  does  not  in  this  circumstaace  see  the  hand  of 
God,  which  so  wonderfully  directed  these  incidents, 
that  the  Roman  governor,  by  his  enquiries,  is  made 
the  instrument  to  confirm  the  certainty  of  our  Savi- 
our's death  ?  Thus,  as  our  blessed  Lord,  by  reason  of 
the  enrollment  and  taxation,  was  entered  in  the  it  gistcr 
of  the  living  under  Augustus;  so  under  the  lieutenant 
of  his  successor  Tiberius,  in  order  to  strengthen  our 
faith  concerning  the  reiility  of  Christ's  death,  he  \vas 
registered  in  the  list  of  the  dead.  Avaricious  gover- 
nors had,  indeed,  a  practice  of  selling  their  licence  to 
bury  executed  malefactors,  at  a  high  rate.  But  1*1- 
late  ^ave  Joseph  the  body  of  Jesus  voluntarily,  wnd 
without  any  present,  which  he  might  have  expeeicd 
from  him,  as  he  was  a  man  of  wealth  and  distinction. 
Upon  this,  as  St.  John  relates  it,  *  Joseph  came  [and 
with  the  help  of  his  servants]  took  the  body  of  Jesi.s' 
from  the  cross.  With  what  joy  did  Joseph  receive  t!ic 
permission  from  Pilate,  and  how  happy  did  he  ihiiik 
himself  in  being  possessed  of  the  lifeless  remains  of  a 
person  he  honoured  so  much  wliile  living  !  Here  let 
us  pause  a  while,  and,  before  we  proceed,  make  the 
following  observations  : 

1.  When  it  so  happens,  that  apart  of  the  public 
worship  of  God  interferes  with  a  necessary  act  of 
charity,  and  love  to  Christ  and  his  members,  which 
will  admit  of  no  delay,  the  former  may  be  omitted, 
and  the  latter  performed  with  a  safe  conscience. 

Joseph  had  no  reason  to  entertain  any  uneasy 
scruples,  because  his  care  for  the  interment  of  thi; 
Lord  Jesus  prevented  him  from  assisting  in  the  tern- 
pie,  at  the  worslii})  which  was  preparatory  to  the  ap- 
proaching Sabbath.  He  was  now  to  attend  a  labour 
uf  love  tvhich  could  not  be  deferred;  and  this  was 
infinitely  of  higher  value  in  the  sight  of  God,  than 
all  the  numerous  sacrifices  at  that  time  offered  in  the 
temple.  Therefore,  it  would  have  been  an  hypocriii- 
eal  show  of  devotion,  had  he,  out  of  fear  of  omitting' 
rhc  temple  service,  been  wanting  in  this  opp9rtunity 


3^0  Christ's   suffeiuncs 

of  shewing  his  love  to  Christ.  Certainly,  the  public 
wo;  ship  ol  Cod  ought  i;ct  to  bt  omitted  but  on  very 
iPiipoi  uml  occasions,  and  iii  ca^cs  oi  urgent  necessity. 
At  ail  other  times  we  are  obliged  to  attend  it,  and  by 
our  de  vol  ion  set  a  Ji;ood  example  to  others.  But  if, 
in  the  tinie  of  divine  service,  an  occasion  offers  of  be- 
ing serviceable  to  a  meml:)er  of  Jesus  Christ,  of  at- 
tendii/g  on  him  in  his  sickness,  assistnig  him  under 
teniptations,  or  helpir:g  him  in  any  pressing  exigen- 
ce} ;  or  if  tlic  providence  of  God  point  out  to  us  an 
occasion  where  our  charity  is  im. mediately  required  ; 
tlie  public  worship  may,  for  that  time,  be  omitted 
with  a  safe  conscience.  Such  a  hii^h  value  does  God 
place  on  the  love  of  our  neigiibour,  that  he  as  it  were 
postpones  his  own  service,  and  gives  the  former  the 
precedence. 

12.  External  probit}-,  and  a  natural  love  of  justice, 
iliough  not  allowed  to  be  sufficient  to  make  a  true 
Christian,  are  not  at  all  superseded  by  the  profession 
of  cliristianity. 

It  is  true,  indeed,  that  the  mere  observance  of  jus- 
tice and  probity  does  not  constitute  a  Christian.  But 
tjiis  declaration  is  misconstrued  by  many  sectaries  and 
tjiihusiasts;  who  entertain  an  impious  notion,  that  all 
external  morality  is  exploded  b)  the  gospel,  and  that 
it  is  }:o  part  (;f  the  Christian  religion  to  practice  the 
social  duties.  But  we  here  see,  that  the  Holy  Spirit 
ir.str'.s  this  elogium  of  Joseph,  namely,  'that  he  was 
a  good  nniii  and  a  just,'  and  consequently  was  pos- 
sessed ol  every  moial  virtue.  Il  were  to  be  wished, 
that  a  nauirai  love  for  justice  was  more  frequently  to 
be  met  with  among  persons  hi  trust  and  power,  who 
aill  themselves  Chrisiians;  and  then  the  complaints 
VI  injury  ar.d  oppression  would  not  be  so  common.* 
».* • .«... ............i....... •«.•• 

*  ll  those,  who'amon^st  us  ihink  Uiemselves  at  ilie  summit 
of  C!.!'ii.'.iau  pcileciion.  would  concStscenci  to  practise  and  in- 
culcate the  IjeatliLii  virtues  and  n  orul  duties  they  exclaim 
•  giiinst,  it  vvu'.::cl  be  iiuppici-  lor  thcmbilvcs  uud  their  hearers,  fr.- 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA..  381 

God,  even  since  the  fall,  has  l(fft  man  so  iViWch 
,.o\\cr  as  is  r.ecessary  towards  le;:ding  a  social,  just, 
and  regular  iiie  ;  and  every  one  is  bound  to  make  use 
of  thib^  naiurul  capacity  of  being  virtuous,  according 
to  die  design  of  the  all-wise  Creator ;  which  is,  that 
\\L  should  be  worthy  and  useful  members  of  human 
society.  However,  morality  alone  is  not  sufficient  in 
Gild's  eye  to  mi-ke  a  man  a  true  Christian,  and  an 
hL-ir  of  die  kingdom  of  Heaven,  (Matt.  v.  20.)  Honestr 
and  godliness  are  good  and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of 
God,  (1  '1  im.  ii.  2.)  and  must  go  together.  When 
the  foimeris  eniiobied  by  the  latter,  and  when  we  are 
powerluily  restrained  from  all  unworthy  and  dislionest 
practices  ihrcugh  ti.e  fear  oi  God,  it  is  unquestionable^ 
one  ot  the  greatest  orn.  mtents  of  a  Christian.  Whereas 
probity,  wul'out  the  iear  ol  God,  is  no  m.ore  than  a 
\\hiied  sepulchre,  ourwardi}  beuutiful  and  spacious. 
but  void  oi  life  and  intrinsic  worth  u  ithin. 

3.   He,  v\ ho  is  faithful  in  small  things,  \\ill  be  e:i-  " 
ti'usied  with  greater. 

'I'his  gospel  maxim  we  see  here  corfirmed  in  Joseph 
of  ArlmatlKa.  '1  his  man  uas  il.ilhful  in  his  natural 
powers,  which  God  eneiowed  him  with,  in  order  to 
lead  a  virtuous  life.  He  vras  uiilhfui  in  obeying  the 
dictates  of  his  natural  conscience,  by  coridcmning  in- 
justice, and  i\  fusing  to  join  in  condemning  an  innocent 
person  to  die.  He  was  faithful  in  the  impro^'ement 
of  the  knowledge  which  l;e  had  of  the  truth  of  our 
Saviour's  doctrine  ;  secretly  bringing  others  to  follow 
Christ  at  a  time,  when  he  did  not  dare  publicly  to  ovi^nt 
himse^lf  one  of  his  disciples.  Behold,  hovv?  richly  he 
is  here  rewarded  for  tiiiit  fidelity  which  lie  sh.e\ved  in 
small  livings,  and  what  a  treasm'e  of  faith  God  bestows 
on  him  !  For,  he  publicly  goes  to  Pilate,  o\ercome5 
tho  world,  and  its  malicious  censures,  and  shews  Jiini- 
self  a  true  disciple  of  the  blessed  Jesus  ^'htn  his  afiliirs 
were  seemingly  in  the  most  dcsparate  situation,  and 
when  there  appeared  but  little  hopes  that  any  of  the 
le^yish  rulers  vreuld  even  associate  with  Jiini  aaain* 


582  Christ's  sOffsuings 

Oh,  that  men  would  make  a  right  use  of  their  natural 
povers,  and  pay  a  greater  regard  and  reverence  to  the 
voice  of  tlieir  consciences.  Then  God  would  lead 
them  furrhtr,  and,  b}  his  revealed  word,  would  im- 
part to  (hem  the  enlivening  principle  of  the  spiritual 
life;  FcrGod  does  not  leave  the  least  fidelity  of  man 
unrt  warded;  but,  out  of  his  ibundai'.t  gnice,  rewards 
it  with  a  picittitul  measure  of  Divine  a«^sistance.  On 
the  contrary  ,  we  must  not  thiik  it  strange  that  he,  who 
does  not  make  a  right  use  ot  his  natural  reason,  by 
which  he  might  be  enabled  to  livf  a  quiet,  tempi  rate 
and  virtuous  life,  should  grow  more  abandoned  and 
increase  in  his  wickedness  ;  since  it  is  but  a  righteous 
judgment  of  God,  that  he,  who  abuses  the  gifts  of 
Heaven  and  disregards  the  dictates  of  conscience, 
should  plunge  himself  deeper  and  deeper  into  sin  and 
inlaniv. 

4.  He,  that  will  not  risk  something  for  the  love  he 
bears  to  Christ,  will  never  make  any  great  proficiency 
in  the  school  of  Christianity. 

It  is  here  said  of  Joseph  that  he  went  in  boldly  to 
Pilate,  and  desired  the  body  of  Jesus.  Something 
must  be  risked  in  religion,  before  we  can  attain  to  any 
degree  of  perfection.  In  the  conflict  of  repentance, 
we  must  determine  to  renounce  our  dearest  bosom 
ains,  to  give  them  a  perpetual  bill  of  divorce ;  and 
for  Christ's  sake,  to  risk  our  reputation  in  the  world, 
and  perh-'.ps  submit  to  mockery  and  insults  from  our 
foriner  friends.  W^e  are  to  risk  something  in  the  good 
fight  oi  f.iith  by  resolving  to  rely  on  the  Divine  pro. 
mises  and  approach  the  throne  of  grace,  notwithstand- 
ing our  unworthincss,  which  would  make  it  seem 
hazardous.  W^'e  are  to  risk  something  in  entering  the 
combat  of  pra}  er,  when  satan  places  difficulties  before 
us,   by  insinuating,  that  God  will  not  hear  si  .ners. 

5.  The  piousf,  prudent,  and  resohjte  undertakings 
of  a  true  Christian,  h()\>'ever  hazardous  they  may  ap- 
pear, will  by  tUc  Divine  assistance  be  brought  to  a. 
happy  i^sue. 


ON    MOUNT    COtCOtHA.  283 

What  eould  seem  more  uncertain,  and  at  t1\e  same 
Jame  more  dangerous,  than  this  resolution  of"  Joseph 
to  ask  tor  our  blessed  Saviour's  body  ?  Had  he  con- 
sidered his  own  character,  thiit  of  his  colleagues,  or  the 
character  and  dibposition  of  Pilate,  a  thousand  appre- 
hensions would  have  arose  in  his  mind,  and  deterred 
him  from  the  attempt.  But  as  he  regarded  God  only 
when  he  resolved  on  it,  by  the  power  of  his  love  a'  d 
£iith  towards  the  deceased  Jesu-^,  he  overcome  .11 
difficulties.  For  as  he  followed  the  impulse  of  his, 
oonscience  in  this  enterprise,  and  recommended  the 
event  to  God,  this  hazardous  event  succeeded  ;  and 
by  it  he  acquired  a  jewel,  far  mon^  prescious  than  any 
thing  he  had  risked  to  obtain  it.  This  example  should 
encourage  us  to  an  imit^ition  of  it ;  and  the  happy- 
issue  of  Joseph's  pious,  t  ough  difficult  enterprize, 
sliould  animate  us  boldly  to  venture  something  for  the 
honour  of  God.  What  if  affiiirs  seem  desperate,  imd 
every  thing  turns  contrary  to  our  exj)tctations ;  yet 
we  shall  be  no  loser  by  the  attempt.  We  shall  have 
still  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience,  and  the  ho- 
nour of  having:  risked  something:  for  the  sake  of 
Christ ;  and  in  the  day  of  retribution,  our  good  w  ill 
and  generous  attempts  shall  not  go  unrewarded. 

6.  As  the  taking  down  of  the  body  of  Jesus  from 
the  cross  was  not  only  permitted,  but  even  appointed 
and  predicted  by  God,  it  is  a  means  for  greatly 
strengthening  our  fl\ith. 

God  had  ordered,  (Deut,  xxi.  22,  2i.)  that  a  man 
who  had  been  hanged  as  a  curse  on  i  tree,  should  be 
taken  down  and  buried  before  sun-set  This  was  a 
sign  to  deno'^e,  that  his  justice  was  now  satit,fied  by 
the  punishment  and  disij^race  inflic  ed  on  die  delin- 
quent ;  so  that  the  land  of  Israel  might  from  tliat 
time  be  accounted  clean.  This  was  a  type  of  the 
burial  of  Christ.  The  great  ^>urety  of  mankind  had 
borne  our  sins  in  his  body  on  the  tree,  and  become  a 
curse  on  it  ior  us  (Gal.  iii.  13.)  Now  as  his  de.d 
body   was  by  God's  own  appjmtnieiit   taken  down 


S84  CHRrST*S   SUFFERINC2f 

from  the  cross,  and  afterwards  honourably  buried  •  it 
is  an  assured  si^n  that  the  Divine  justice  is  satisfied 
by  our  .Saviour's  death,  and  that  the  curse  is  abo- 
lished and  done  away.  If  our  Redeemer  had  not  pciid 
all  to  the  utmost  farthing,  justice  wouid  not  have  pcr- 
initted  him  to  be  taken  down  from  the  cross.  Biit 
as  God  perm.itted  th  s,Jie  gave  a  public  testimony  to 
all  the  world,  that  his  justice  was  fully  satisfied. — 
Hence  all  who  believe  in  the  crucified  Jv  sus,  and  obey 
his  precepts,  are  in  the  eye  of  God,  txcmpt  from  the 
curse  of  the  law,  and  free  from  all  condemnation, 
(Kom.  viii.  1.)  This  comfort  is  of  inestimable  va- 
lue ;  but  it  is  only  so  to  the  truly  penitent  and  humbic 
Christian. 

II.  After  our  Saviour's  body  was  taken  downfrv>m 
the  cross,  it  was  pj-epared  for  an  honourable  interment. 
We  may  learn  from  the  evangelical  history, 

First,  VV^ho  the  persons  were  that,  periormed  this 
generous  office.  These  were  Jostph  of  Arimathea 
and  Nicodemus.  .  Joseph,  with  his  servants,  had  be- 
fore taken  down  the  body  of  Jesus  from  the  cross.— 
But  while  this  pious  man  was  employed  in  preparing 
,it  for  interment,  the  providence  of  God  sent  hmi 
Nicodemus  as  a  colleague,  who  was  a  person  of  equal 
distinction  with  himsell.  He  not  only  bore  his  share 
in  the  charges,  but  likewise  in  the  odium  andxontempt, 
and  other  incoriveniencies,  which  Joseph  might  natu- 
rally expect  on  account  of  this  labour  ofiove.  It  is 
here  observed  of  Nicodemus,  that  lie  ftirmerly  came 
to  Jesus  bv  nifrht,  and  that  it  was  for  fear  of  the  Jews. 
Hence  it  appears,  that  he  v/as  not  free  from  the  weak- 
ness which  hud  possessed  Joseph  oi  Ariinathea.  But 
now^  he  also  shews  an  equal  boldness ;  anel  the  bands 
of  fear  in  both  of  them  ai~e  broken  asur.der,  and  shaken 
off  by  the  death  of  Christ.  As  all  nature  publicly 
sympathised  wit'n  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  for  the  earth  trem- 
bled and  the  rocks  were  rent,'  as  it  were  to  celebrate 
liis  obsequies  ;  Nicodemus  would  not  be  v»aniing'ii> 
showing  his  esteem  and  io\et;o  Ciiiist ;  so  that  ius 


\ 


ON     LIOUNT   COLCOTHA.  3o3 

mind  was  stirred  up  to  assist  in  performini^  the  last 
office  for  our  blessed  Lord.  The  harmonibcd  text  in- 
forms us, 

Secondly,  That  these  two  persons  shared  the  labour 
and  expence  between  them.     We  are  toid  thut  'Josept; 
bought  fine  linen,  in  order  to  wrap  up  the  body  of 
Jesus;'  and  that  Nicodemus  broui^ht  a    mixture   of 
myrrh  and  aloes,  about  an  hundred    pound  weight, 
and  costlv  spires.     The  linen  was  steeped  in  thisaro- 
-matic  mixture  or  ointment;  and  tlien  the    body  of 
Jesus  being:  first  washed,  was  wrapped  and  wound  in 
linen  clothes.     This  preparation  of  the  body  of  f un- 
blessed S..\iour  for  interment  had  been  preiigureci  in. 
his  hfe,  (John  xii.  7.)  when  a  devout  woman  called 
Mary  anointed   him,  as  it  were,  for  his  burial.     For 
on  that   occasion,  our  blessed  Lord  plainly  intimated 
that  41  like  honour  would  be  paid  him  after  his  deatr. 
Thus  he  shewed  himself  a  true  prophet  concerning  his 
death  and  burial ;  and  an  honour  was  shewn  him  in  the 
latter^   which  only  the  most  w  ealt'ny  amoiig  the  Jews 
CI  that  age  could  afford.     The  blessed  Jtsus  was  born 
poor,  and  died  so  ;   but  he  was  rich  in  exiern:'.!  orna- 
ments twice  during  his  abode  on  earth;  once  soon  alter 
his    entrance   into    the  world,  whither  he  came  poor, 
naked,  and  helpless,  like  the  meanest  of  his  breiliren  ; 
and  a  second  time  immediatelv  after  his  death,  whieli 
was  also    accompanied  with  poverty,  naliedness,  and 
ignominy.     Soon  after  our  Saviour's  birth,  some  great 
personages    among    th^;   eastern    gentiles    presented 
liim  with    gold,  frankincense,  and  myrrh  ;  and  after 
liis    death,    two  persons  of    v/ealth    and  distinction 
among  the  Jews  anointed  him  with  the  most  costly 
i.rp/.iiatics  and  spices.     Thus  was  die  end  of  his  coi> 
tiiiuance  on  earth  attended  wilh  more   splendor,  ihirs. 
liis  iirst  entrance  upon  it.     At  his  birlh,  when  he  en- 
tered on  his  state  of  humiliation,  he  w^s  v/rapped  n,,- 
in  mean  swaddling  clotiies;  bat  at  his  buii  li,  when  his 
state   of  abasement  drew  towards    a  period,  he   was 
wrapped  up  in  fiae  linen  dipped  in  the  most  cusiiy  oiiit- 

VOL.     II.  C   C  C 


"586  ciinisT's   S'jrrERiNGS 

inents.  By  tliis  circumstance  was  literr^llv  fii'frlled 
what  is  said  of  the  Messiah  in  the  foi-r^'-fiirh  F^.-m^ 
(verse  8.)  '  Thy  garments  [namely  tY^.  {;r;.A'e  ri(.rr(  ■  ]] 
tjmeli  oi"  myrrh,  aloes,  and  cassia.'  Lei  us  new  iuuKC 
the  following  observations  on  this  su'j  c: : 

1.  Wt:  mtiy  here  observe  the  j^n^du^'l  pn.prcss  of 
Liic  spirimal  life  in  Nicodemus,  which  i.re  particu- 
larly taken  notice  of  in  the  gospel.  He  is  first  des- 
cribed coming. by  iiiphtto  Christ,  and  rtprestiited  as 
a  child,  (Johiiiii.  2.)  who  was  to  lej'rn  t'he  very  first 
<?lements  of  our  Si.viour's  doctrine.  He  is  afterwards 
described  as  a  disciple,  oppnsir.g  his  wicktd  colleatues 
arid  saying  to  tlicm,  '  Doth  our  law  judge  an\  maa 
before  it  he  ar  him,  and  know  what  he  doih  ?'  (John  vii. 
50,  51,  52.)  in  answer  to  which  question  he  receives 
this  reprimand,  'Art  thou  also  of  Galilee  ?  search, 
*ind  look  ;  for  out  of  G.ililee  ariitth  no  prophet.* 
But  here,  at  the  death  of  Christ,  he  appears  a  spiritual 
man  m  his  full  growth  and  perfect  vigour;  who  at  a 
time  when  the  cause  of  Jesus  stemed  desperate,  pub^ 
Jiciy  owns  himself  his  disciple,  and  brirgs  precious  aro- 
matics  to  prepiue  liis  bod\  for  the  burial. 

2.  Noexpenccs  are  better  bestowed  than  those  em- 
ployed on  Christ  and  his  members,  either  in  cloathing 
them  when  naked,  or  bestowing  on  them  such  other 
comforts  as  they  vrant. 

O  that  tiic  rich  of  this  world  would  well  consider 
this,  and  bestow  some  part  of  their  superfluities  in 
works  of  charity  and  beneficence  !  This  \\  on  Id  bring 
doAvn  a  real  l;!essii.g  on  them  ;  for  what  is  bestowed 
on  his  poor  brethren,  Christ  accepts  as  if  it  was  be- 
stovvtd  on  himself.  Nicodemus'sexpences  in  magr.i- 
ficent  houses,  gay  ecjuipnge,  &:c.  are  lost  and  buried 
in  oblivion.  But  the  expences  he  was  at  in  bur\  ing 
the  Lorel  Jc^iis,  the  vast  quantity  of  rich  and  costly 
spices  which  he  contributed  on  that  occasion,  are  en- 
tered in  God's  book  of  remembrance,  and  will  be  re- 
warded in  the  sight  of  angels  and  men  at  the  great 
day  of  retiibuticn.     Let.  tliose  rich  men,  who  would 


ON    MOUNT    COLCOTKA.  357 

be  thus  happy,  tread  in  his  foot-steps  ;  and  what  they 
have  hitherto  superfluously  I  jvished  away  on  vain  or- 
naments, or  on  their  pleasures,  let  them  bestow  on 
Christ's  poor  brethren,  and  they  shall  be  o])enly  com- 
mended and  rewarded  by  the  Son  of  God,  when  he 
Cometh  in  the  glory  of  his  Father  with  mjriads  of 
angels. 

3.  By  long  conferring  with  fiesh  and  blood,  ws 
aeglect  many  happy  opportunities  of  doing  good  to  the 
members  of  Christ. 

The  devout  women,  who  had  follovv'cd  the  Lord 
Jesus  from  Galilee,  also  brought  spices  and  ointments, 
(Luke  xxiii.  56.)  and  came  to  anoint  him  on  tliat 
n.'oming  when  h*^  rose  from  the  dead.  But  thc}^  came 
too  late :  for  our  blessed  Lord  had  aiready  left  his 
grave,  and  was  risen.  He  who  has  a  mind  to  do  good, 
let  him  do  it  without  delay.  Good  opportunities^ 
like  riches,  have  wings,  and  fly  away  before  we  arc 
aware. 

4.  Lastly,  The  imperfections  that  usually  attend 
our  |i(,od  works  are  covered  by  our  love  to  the  Loid 
Jesus,  whicli  flows  from  our  faith  in  him. 

li  must  b^  ahowed,  that  there  was  a  weakness  at- 
tend n  g  (lie  good  oflices  of  these  worthy  personages. 
This  .  ppears  in  their  anointing  the  sacred  body  of  i!ie 
blessed  J\  sus,  in  order  to  preserve  it  from  putrefaction^; 
whereas  it  was  uritten  in  the  Psalms  concerning  the 
Messiah,  'Thou  wilt  not  suffer  thy  holy  one  to  see 
corruption,'  (Psalm  xvi.  10.)  But  this  weakness  is 
entirely  overlooked  on  account  of  that  cordial  love  to 
the  Lord  Jesus,  from  which  it  proceeded.  The 
Spirit  of  G'.)d,  instead  of  representing  this  foible  of 
entertaining  such  an  erroneous  idea  of  Chri:5t,  as  a 
crime,  mentions  it  as  the  effect  of  their  love  and  esteem 
for  the  deceased,  and  passes  over  their  weakness. — 
Let  us  therefore  pray  to  our  faithful  Saviour,  that  he 
will  shed  abroad  his  love  in  our  hearts,  aiid  iniianie 
us  with  a  laudable  emulation  by  the  two  noble  exam- 
ples, of  which  we  have  now  been  treating. 


o8S  CIIllIST'S   SUFFEr.lXGSJ 

THE     TRAYER. 

O  FAITHFUL  Saviour,  we  thank  thee  that  out  o£ 
thy  transcendent  love  to  our  souls,  thou  hast  by  thy 
death  clescendeclinio  such  a  helpless  state,  as  to  stand 
in  need  of  tlie  assistance  of  others :  Praised  be  thy 
name  lor  inclining  the  hearts  of  Joseph  and  Nicodemus 
to  pav  the  last  honours  to  thy  breathless  bod'. ,  after 
thy  painful  ignominious  death  ;  by  which  thou  hast 
prefigured  that  honour  which  was  destined  to  our  - 
bodies,  in  being  made  temples  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
We  are  assured  that  if,  in  following  thee,  we  hold 
out  to  die  end,  even  our  pain  and  ignominy  will  be- 
swallowed  up  in  eternal  bliss  and  glory.  Give  us  a 
heart  to  love  thee  our  crucified  Saviour,  and  to  rejoice 
at  every  opportunity  of  shewing  our  love  to  thee  l:>y 
relieving  thy  poor  members.  Grant  this  for  the  sake 
of  thy  lo',e=     Amen, 


CONSIDERATION  XV. 

THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  LORD  JESUS. 

'  NO  \V  in  the  place  where  he  was  crucified,  there 
Avas  a  garden ;  and  in  the  garden  a  new  supulchre, 
which  Joseph  had  caused  to  be  hewn  out  of  a  rock, 
wherein  never  man  before  was  laid.  Here  laid  they 
Jesus,  therefore,  because  of  the  Jews  preparation  day  ; 
for  the  sepulchre  was  nigh  atliand.  And  they  rolled  a 
great  stone  to  the  door  of  the  sepulchre,  and  departed. 
And  the  women  also,  who  came  v^ith  him  from  Galilee, 
ibiiowed  after.  Amone:  these  were  Marv  Mairdalene, 
and  Mary  the  mother  of  Joses,  who  sat  over  against 
the  sejmlchre,  aiid  beheld  how  and  where  liis  body 
was  laid.  And  they  returned  and  prepared  spices  and 
•ointments,  and  rested  the  Sabbath  day,  according  to 
the  commandment.  Now  the  next  day  that  followed 
the  day  of  the  preparation,  the  chief  priests  and  phari- 
sces   c;:me  together   unto  Pilate,  saying.  Sir,  we  re- 


0{J   MOUKT    GOLGOTH^l.'  380 

member  that  that  deceiver  said,  while  he  was  yet  alive, 
After  three  days  I  will  rise  again.  Command  there- 
fore, that  the  sepulchre  be  made  sure  until  the  third 
day ;  least  his  disciples  come  by  nig-ht  and  steal  him 
away,  and  say  unto  the  people,  he  is  risen  from  the 
dead  :  So  the  last  error  shall  be  worse  than  the  first. 
Pilate  said  unto  them,  ye  have  a  watch  ;  go  your  wa}', 
make  it  as  sure  as  you  can.  So  they  went,  and  made 
the  sepulchre  sure,  sealing  the  stone,  snd  setting  a 
watch,'  (Matt,  xxvii.  60—56.  M.irk  xv.  46,  47. 
Luke  xxiii.  53 — 56.     John  xix.   41.  42.} 

In  these  words  we  have  an  account  oi  the  interment 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  ;   in  which  are  mentioned, 

First,  The  sepulchre,  in  which  the  body  of  our 
Saviour  was  deposited. 

Secondly,  The  burial,  or  interm.ent. 

Thirdly,  The  different  behaviour  of  our  Lord's 
friends  and  enemies  on  this  occasion. 

L  The  sepulchre,  in  which  our  Saviour's  body  was 
deposited,  offers  the  following  particulars  to  our 
consideration. 

First,  The  place  where  this  sepulchre  was  : 

'  Now  in  the  place  where  he  was  crucified,  there 
was  a  garden.'  This  sepulchre  therefore  was  in  a 
garden  contiguous  to  Moinit  Golgotha.  The  scrip- 
ture makes  particular  mention  of  three  gardens. 

1.  The  garden  of  Eden,  where  sin  and  the  curse 
due  to  it  conmienced,  by  our  first  parents'  transgression 
of  God's  command. 

2.  The  garden  of  Gethsemane  on  the  Mount  of 
Olives,  which  was  the  scene  where  the  suffenngs  of 
Christ  began,  by  which  sin  and  the  curse  were  to  be 
abolished  and  done  away. 

3.  This  garden,  iii  which,  after  our  Saviour's  suf- 
ferings, sin  and  the  curse  were,  as  it  were,  buried  with 
him  in  his  death. 

It  was  not  unusual  am.ongst  the  Orientals  to  have 
their  sepulchres  in  their  L^ardens,  an  instance  of  which. 
w-e  have  in  the  second  book  of  K-ings,  (chap.  xxi.  la.) 


390  Christ's  sufferincs 

where  it  is  said  that  king  Manasseh  was  buried  in  the 
garden  of  his  own  house.  But  here,  the  wisdom  of 
God  had  very  particular  reasons  for  appointing  the 
sepulchre  of  the  Redeemer  of  mankind  to  be  in  a  gar- 
den ;  by  which  we  were  to  be  put  in  mind  of  ihe  gar- 
den of  Eden.  In  the  latter  our  first  parents,  by  their 
disobedience,  caused  great  trouble  to  our  Redeemer; 
in  the  former,  he  was  to  rest  after  the  conclusion  of  his 
suiferings.  In  the  garden  of  Eden,  death  acquired  a 
despotic  power  over  the  whole  human  race  ;  in  this 
garden  he  vi^as  divested  of  his  power  over  us,  so  that 
the  church  may  triumphantly  cry  out,  *  O  death ! 
where  is  thy  stii^ig?'  In  the  former,  the  first  Adara 
fell  into  a  deep  sleep,  during  which  a  wife  was  formed 
for  him  out  of  his  side ;  in  the  latter,  the  second 
Adam  was  to  repose,  that  the  church,  his  spotless 
bride,  ndght  likewise  derive  its  origin  fro:n  him.  So 
wisely  has  the  providence  of  God  directed  this  cir- 
cumstunce  concerning  our  Saviour's  burial. 

Seco:  idly,  The  owner  of  the  sepulchre  is  mentioned 
by  the  Evangelists;  and  this  was  Joseph  of  x\nma- 
thea,  who  had  requested  Pilate  that  he  might  be  per- 
mitted to  take  down  our  Saviour's  body  from  ihe 
cross,  as  we  have  observed  in  the  last  Consideration. 
This  person  had  been  moved  by  the  providence  of  God, 
to  cause  a  sepulchre  to  be  he\vn  out  of  a  rock  in  his 
garden,  which  was  near  Mount  Golgotha.  Jo'seph 
n-.ver  imagined  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  who^e  dis- 
ciple he  was  in  secret,  was  to  be  laid  in  this  sepulchre. 
E.ui  God,  to  whom  all  his  works  are  known  from  the 
b'-ginning,  had  this  in  view,  when  he  inclined  the 
h-  .11.  of  Joseph  to  make  a  sepulchre  in  this  garden. 
li  may  then  be  said  of  Joseph,  as  Jesus  said  unto  Pe- 
ter on  another  occasion,  '  Wh.at  i  do  ihoii  knowest  not 
now;  but  thou  shalt  know  herealier,'  (John  xxiii.  7.) 
Joseph's  intent  was  to  provide  a  j^lace  of  burial  for 
himself  and  family;  but  God  had  a  more  important 
design  in  view,  and  so  directed  contingencies,  that  Jo- 
;seph  hcrt?  made  a  sepulchre  lor  the  Prince  of  Life. 


ON  MOUNT   GOLGOTIiA.  391 

Joseph  probably  vvms  put  in  mind  of  death  by  this 
tomb,  and  m(  (lilatcd  on  bis  latter  end  in  this  garden. 
Let  us  also  learn  from  Joseph,  to  meditate  on  our  death 
and  resurrection  in  our  walks  and  .s^ardens.  1  h-ey 
continu-.'.liy  afford  us  ample  subject  for  siich  medita- 
tions :  for  every  fadhig  flower  reniinds  us  of  our  mor- 
tality ;  and,  on  the  other  hand,  every  blade  of  p;rass 
that  dies  in  winter,  and  shoots  forth  again  in  spriijg, 
is,  IS  it  were,  a  preacher  of  the  resurrection. 

Thirdly,  The  following  particulars  are  mentioned, 
concernirig  our  blessed  Savieur's  sepulchre: 

1.  It  belonged  to  another  person.  As  our  blessed 
Lord  in  his  life  time,  had  not  a  place  where  he  might 
lay  his  l)ead  ;  so  likewise,  in  death,  he  was  not  po3- 
st  ssed  of  a  grave. 

2.  It  was  a  new  sepulchre,  in  which  never  any  man 
had  been  laid.  This  was  a  necessary  precaution,  lest 
the  resurrection  of  Christ  should  be  ascribed  to  a 
wrong  cause.  If  it  had  been  otherwise,  his  enemies 
might  have  ridiculed  and  depreciated  this  miracle,  by 
saying,  *'  Possibly  some  holy  prophet  had  been  buried 
in  that  sepulchre  many  centuries  ago,  and  when  this 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  was  laid  on  his  bones,  he  was  re- 
stored to  life,  as  we  have  a  similar  instance  in  scrip- 
ture," (2  Kings  xiii.  21.)  God  intended  to  obviate, 
by  this  circumstance,  such  a  subterfuge  of  nnbeiitf. 

3.  We  are  iiuther  informed,  that  this  sei^ulchre  was 
hewn  in  a  rock.  This  circumstance  was  like  Mise  di- 
rected by  the  hand  ot  Providence.  Foi-  had  it  been 
in  a  loose  soil,  u.ibeiieverb,  with  their  UhUiil  cavils, 
might  have  pretendfd,  that  the  disciples  of  Jesus  had 
made  a  subterraneous  passage,  and  carried  off  the  body, 
without  breaking  the  seal,  &c.  by  which  the  outside 
of  it  was  secured.  Bu  the  wise  providence  of  Cod, 
in  this  circumstcsnce  obviated  all  such  cavils  against 
the  certainty  of  our  Saviour's  resurrection. 

Fourthly  and  lastly,  The  reason  is  mentioned  why 
this  se])ulchre  was  chosen  in  preference  to  an\  other, 
ill  these  woiub :   'i.itr^  uu^  UiC)  Jv&ui.,  tnerelorc,  bti- 


N 


S92  Christ's  sufferijj'gS 

cause  it  was  the  Jewb  preparation  duy  ;  for  the  sepul- 
cJire  Wiis  nigh  at  Jiand.'  Indeed,  these  pious  persons, 
who  thus  took  care  of  our  Saviour's  burial,  had  but 
lir.Ue  time  left.  It  was  within  an  hour  or  two  of  sun- 
set, when  the  Jewish  Sabbath  began,  for  which  some 
])rt  vious  preparation  was  also  required.  Now  as  time 
did  not  peinwt  t'nem  to  carry  the  body  of  Jesus  to  any 
place  at  a  greater  distance  from  Golgotha,  there  was 
a  necessity  of  making  choice  of  the  nearest  sepulchre 
at  hand.  But  God  hnd  b/cfore  taken  care  to  provide 
a  tomb  for  his  Son  in  Josepli's  garden,  which  was 
contiuTiOus  to  Mount  Golgotha.  This  circumstance 
likewise  signified,  that  the  place  where  Jesus  Christ 
suffered  the  greatest  ignominy  was  contiguous  to  that, 
which  was  to  be  the  first  tlieatre  of  his  glorv, 

II.  The  interment  of  our  blessed  Lord  is  briefly 
rekited  by  the  Evangelist,  in  these  words :  '  There 
iaici  thev  Jesus.'  The  vrealthy  Jews  vrere  not  buried 
in  the  manner  usual  among  us,  by  putting  the  corpse 
into  a  coffin,  letting  it  down  into  the  ground,  and  co- 
vering it  with  earth. ;  JDUt  cvqyv  family  of  distinction 
had  a  kind  of  vault,  consisting  of  long,  narrow  cavi- 
ties cut  in  a  rock.  In  one  of  these  cavities  or  niches, 
M-hich  served  for  a  sarcophiigus  or  tomb,  the  corpse, 
v/hich  was  wrapped  or  v/ound  in  linen  grave-clothes, 
was  put.  In  this  manner  the  body  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
was  laid  in  one  of  the  cavities  of  Joseph's  new  sepul- 
chre. The  hatred  of  his  enemies  intended  him  an- 
other  kind  of  burial.  According  to  the  custom  of  the 
Je\^s,  he  would,  as  a  crucified  person,  have  been 
thrown  into  a  pit  on  xdount  Golgotha,  among  the 
bodies  of  tlie  n;ost  infamous  malefactors,  and  a  little 
earth  sprinkled  over  him.  But  his  state  of  abasement 
being  now  finished,  every  thing  was  to  tend  to  h.is 
glorification.  For  the  honourable  burial  of  Christ  ^vas 
a  kind  of  intermediate  space  between  his  state  of 
abasement,  and  his  exaltation  ;  and  therefore  it  was 
accompanied,  as  it  were.  ^\ith  the  dawn  of  liis  ap- 
proaching glory. 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  303 

III.  Let  US,  ill  the  last  place,  take  a  view  of  the 
different  behaviour  of  the  friends  and  enemies  of  oiif 
blessed  Lord  on  this  occasion. 

First,  Let  us  consider  the  behaviour  of  his  friends. 
These  were, 

1.  Joseph  and  Nicodemus  ;  of  v/hom  it  is  said. 
That,  after  anointing  Jesus,  wrapping  up  his  body  iu 
line  linen,  and  laying  it  in  the  cavity  of  a  rock,  they  rol- 
led a  great  stone  to  the  door  of  the  sepulchre^  and  de- 
parted. Their  view  in  this  was  to  prevent  the  enemies 
of  our  Lord  from  going  into  the  tomb,  lest  in  theii- 
rancour  they  should  abuse  even  his  dead  bod}". 
Therefore  they  rolled  a  great  stone  before  the  door 
of  the  sepulchre.  In  the  same  manner  Sr.  John  says 
of  Lazarus's  sepulchre,  (chap.  xi.  38.)  '  That  it  wan 
a  cave,  'and  a  stone  lay  upon  it.'  Thus  they  securely 
shut  up  the  Lord  Jesus  in  the  sepulchre,  without  en- 
tertaining any  hopes  that  he  would  ever  rise  again,  or 
come  out  of  it  alive. 

2.  Among  our  Saviour's  friends  were  several  de- 
vout women,  some  of  whom  had  followed  him  from 
Galilee.  For,  as  they  had  been  witnesses  of  the  death 
of  our  blessed  Lord,  and  stood  over  against  his  cross 
when  he  gave  up  the  ghost ;  so  they  are  here  wit- 
nesses of  his  burial.  These  women  '  sat  over  afjainst 
the  sepulchre,  and  beheld  where,  and  how,  his  body 
was  laid.'  They  were  the  more  careful  in  observing 
the  place,  that  they  might  find  it  again ;  for  the}- 
were  in  solne  measure  strangers  at  Jerusaleni.  Nou" 
it  affords  us  a  further  testimony  of  the  reality  of  our 
Saviour's  death,  that  these  his  zealous  friends  were 
so  near  at  the  time  of  his  burial.  For  they  never 
would  have  permitted  him  to  be  interred  in  the  se- 
pulchre, had  they  seen  the  least  signs  of  life  iu  !>i:.;. 
But  St.  Luke  further  observes,  'That  they  returned, 
and  prepared  spices  and  ointment,'  L  e.  they  went 
into  the  city  ;  and  bought  some  precious  ointment 
and  spices,  before  it  was  night,  and  consequently 
before   the    Sabbath  begun,    in  order  to  anoint  the 

VOL.  IT.  D  dd 


'S94.  Christ's  surrERixcs 

body  of  Jesns  the  next  day,  perhaps  more  carefully 
than  Joseph  and  Nicodeir.us  had  done,  since  they  were 
straitened  for  time.  These  devout  women  were  far 
from  entertaining  ony  thoughts  of  our  Lord's  resur- 
rection ;  their  design  was  only  to  pny  these  honours 
to  the  body  of  a  person  they  had  so  highly  valued,  and 
to  preserve  it  as  long  as  possible  from  corruption. 
Lastly,  the  Evangelist  says,  that  '  they  rested  on  the 
Sabbath  day,  according  to  the  commandment.'  This 
shews  their  innocence  and  piety ;  since  they  punctu- 
ally observed  the  law  of  God,  and  would  not  by  any 
means  violate  it ;  so  that  their  love  for  the  Lord  Jesus, 
which  here  as  it  were,  strove  for  preference  with  their 
fear  of  transgressing  the  law,  must  have  poweriully 
urged  them.,  and,  like  a  magnet,  have  drawn  their 
thou  gilts  to  the  sepulchre.  Such  was  the  behaviour 
of  our  Saviour's  friends  at  his  burial.  We  come  to 
considtr, 

Secondly,  The  behaviour  of  his  enemies  on  this 
occasicui.     These  were, 

1.  The  chief  priests  and  pharisees  ;  who  did  not  let 
their  hatred  against  the  Lord  Jesus  rest  even  on  the 
Sabbath  day,  though  the  devout  women  mentioned 
above,  shew(  d  their  respect  to  the  commandment,  by 
resting  on  the  Sabbath.  His  enemies  went  early  in 
the  morning  of  the  Sabbath  to  Pilate,  and,  instead  of 
attending  to  the  duties  of  the  day,  proposed  to  him 
this  ad\ice  :  '  Sir,  we  remember  that  that  deceiver 
said,  ^vhile  he  was  yet  alive,  After  three  days  I  will 
rise  again.  Command  therefore  that  the  sepulchre 
may  be  made  sure,  until  the  third  day  ;  lest  his  dis- 
ciples come  by  night,  and  steal  him  away,  and  say  unto 
the  people,  Re  is  risen  from  the  dead :  So  the  last 
■crrrr  shall  be  worse  than  the  first.' 

The  design  of  this  application  to  Pilate  was,  that 
a  sc?.l  might  be  put  on  the  tomb  of  Jesus,  and  a  party 
of  soldiers  itppointedto  watch  it.  In  order  to  induce 
Pilate  to  comply  wuth  their  request,  they  alleges? 
Hie  foliowjiig:  reasons  : 


ON    r^rOUNT    GOLGOfHA.  395 

The  first  was,  the  prophecy  of  Jesus,  that  he  woiikl 
rise  again  the  third  day  after  his  death  ;  which  ihcy 
had  observed  and  retained  better  than  his  own  disci- 
ples. They  could  not  repeat  this  prophec}'  without 
an  invective  against  Jesus,  though  he  was  dead,  for 
they  call  him  a  deceiver.  But  this  circumstance  of 
their  extreme  caution,  even  after  his  death,  concerning 
him,  whom  they  exclaim  against  as  a  deceiver  and  false 
prophet,  shews  that  they  had  in  reality  quite  another 
opinion  of  Jesus,  though  this  testimony  of  their  con- 
science was  at  present  suppressed. 

The  second  reason  that  they  alleged  was,  tlieir 
apprehension  that  our  Saviour's  disciples  would  com- 
mit some  fraud,  would  come  clandestinely  and  roll 
away  the  stone,  carry  the  body  away,  and  la}-  it  in 
some  other unknovvn  sepulchre;  and  then  spread  about 
a  report  that  he  was  risen  from  the  dead-  Thus  the 
innocent  disciples  were,  Uke  their  Lord  and  master, 
looked  upon  as  evil-doers  and  impostors.  They  had 
been  hitherto  accounted  a  simple,  and  timorous  set  of 
men  ;  but  now,  such  stratagems  are  apprehended  from 
them,  as  required  great  address,  courage,  and  resolu- 
tion. These  false  ideas  concerning  our  blessed  Lord's 
disciples  proceeded  from  an  ill-grounded  fear.  This 
fear  had  conjured  up  phantoms  and  chimeras  before 
their  eyes  ;  though  they  accused  the  Christians  of 
being  the  most  visionary  set  of  people  in  the  world. 

The  third  reason  they  alleged  to  induce  Tilate  to 
secure  the  sepulchre,  was  the  danger,  that  '  tlie  last 
error  would  be  worse  than  the  first.'  That  is,  the 
report  of  Jesus  being  risen  again  on  the  third  day 
would,  probably,  have  a  worse  effect  on  the  people, 
than  his  preaching  while  alive.  Thus,  these  hypo- 
crites intended  to  oppose  the  decree  of  God  concern- 
ing the  resurrection  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  in  order 
to  justify  their  wicked  proceedings  in  the  eyes  of  the 
world.  But  we  may  reckon  among  the  enemies  of 
the  blessed  Jesus, 

■2.  Pilate,  the  Roman  governor,  with  whom  the 
rulers  of  the  Jews  in  this  transanctiou  *  take  counsel 


596  ciihist's  sufferings 

ao^ainst  the  Lord,  and  against  his  Messiah  or  Anointed,' 
(Psahn  ii.  2.  Acts  iv.  25,  26,  27.)  As  he  had  be- 
fore been  prevailed  on  by  these  rulers  to  order  the  cru- 
cifixion of  Jesus ;  so  he  is  now  further  solicited  by 
them,  to  endeavour  to  prevent  his  resurrection  from  the 
dead.  It  wns  not  indeed  his  own  interest,  that  it  should 
be  said  he  had  allov  ed  of  the  crucifixion  of  so  innocent 
and  holy  a  man,  who  afterwards  rose  again  from  the 
dead.  Therefore  he  very  willingly  consents  that  a 
party  of  Roman  soldiers,  at  the  expence  of  the  chief 
priest  and  eiders,  should  watch  the  sepulchre,  and 
secure  it  in  the  best  manner,  as  the  Jews  themselves 
should  direct.  The  chief  priests  were  overjoyed 
when  they  obtained  this  permission,  and  posted  a 
guard  before  the  sepulchre ;  and  lest  they  should  be 
bribed  to  open  the  tomb,  they  took  the  precaution 
even  to  seal  the  stone.  Thus,  they  thought  them- 
selves sure  of  having  prevented  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus,  and  that  they  had  secured  his  sacred  body  in 
the  bands  of  corruption.  These  their  wicked  con- 
trivances were  predicted  in  scripture  long  before  ;  for 
the  Messiah  is  introduced  in  the  Psalms,  making  this 
complaint :  '  They  devise  my  hurt,  and  now  that  he 
lieth,  [say  they]  he  shall  rise  up  no  more,'  (Psalm 
xli.   7,  8.) 

But  O  what  a  miracle  of  Divine  wisdom  !  how  deep 
soever  the  devil  lays  his  snares,  God  baffles  him  by 
his  own  instruments  ;  for  all  these  dispositions  of  our 
blessed  Lord's  enemies  serve  only  to  corfirm  the  truth 
of  his  resurrection,  which  his  heavenly  Father  had 
long  before  seak  d  and  decreed.  In  order  to  make  his 
triumph  more  illustrious,  God  so  directed  contingen- 
cies, that  the  enemies  of  Christ  should  receive  advice 
of  his  resurrection  from  their  own  watch  ;  who  now 
with  ghasdy  countenances  and  trembling  limbs  come 
and  acquaint  them,  that  Jesus,  without  any  human  aid, 
had  broke  open  the  sepulchre,  and  come  forth  quite 
alive  ;  and  that  at  the  same  time  a  heavenly  efllilgence, 
and  a  terrible  earthquake,  had  very  near  struck  them 


ON    MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.'  397 

dead;  so  that  they  were  obliged,  as  soon  as  they  were 
able,  to  fly  away  in  confusion  from  the  sepulchre. — 
Such  was  the  behaviour  of  our  Saviour's  friends  and 
enemies  at  his  burial. 

By  way  of  a  closer  application  of  this  narrative  of 
our  Saviour's  interment,  we  shall  here  insert  a  hymn, 
composed  on  that  subject,  and  illustrate  it  with  a 
short  paraphrase  on  every  stanza. 

1.  Thou,  who  my  sins  (a  heavy  curse  ! ) 

Upon  the  cross  didst  bear, 
From  thence  wast  to  the  tomb  consign'd! 
By  Joseph's  pious  care. 

2.  O  glorious  type,  by  which  the  curse 

Is  far  from  us  remov'd ! 
By  faith  we  claim  the  heav'nly  prize 
Laid   up  for  thy   belov'd. 

3.  Now  hast  thou  drank  the  bitter  cup 

Of  death,  without  a  groan, 
And  cloth'd  us  with  thy  righteousness. 
To  stand  before  thy  throne. 

4.  Thy  sacred  word,   which  never  fails, 

Prefigures  things  to  come  ; 
The  lion's  den,  th'  enormous  whale* 
There  typified  thy  tomb. 

5.  Thou  like  a  fruitful  corn  of  wheat 

Art  to  the  earth  consign'd, 
Whence  thou  shalt  rise,  and  with  thee  luring: 
The  harvest  of  mankind. 

6 .  Even  in  thy  darksome  grave  I  see 

Thy  dawn  of  glory  shine, 
Which  in  full  blaze  on  the  third  morn 
Display'd  thy  pow'r  divine. 


*  Daniel  in  the  lion's  den,  and  Jonah  in  the  whale's  bellj>- 
prefigured  the  bvirial  of  Christ. 


^9B  CHRIST'S  SUFFERINC^ 

7.  Since  then  my  Saviour  did  descend 
Into  the  tomb,  and  thence  arose. 
He  made  the  chambers  of  the  grave 
A  downy  couch  of  soft  repose. 

B,  As  in  the  font,  I  die  to  sin. 
And  wash  my  guilt  away, 
Grant  I  may  rise,  and  with  thee  mount 
Unto  the  realms  of  day  ! 


i.  Thou,  who  my  sins  (a  heavy  eurse!) 
Upon  the  cross  didst  bear, 
From  thence  wast  to  the  tomb  consign'd 
By  Joseph's  pious  care. 

Here  our  thoughts  are  directed  from  our  Saviour  s 
sepulchre  to  Mount  Golgotha.  For  in  order  to  reap 
any  real  benefit  from  the  consideration  of  our  Lord's 
burial,  we  must  reflect  on  the  character  and  quality  in 
which  he  hung  on  the  cross,  before  he  descended  into 
the  sepulchre. 

He  hung  on  the  cross  as  the  Lamb  of  God,  bearing 
both  the  burden  of  our  guilt,  and  the  load  of  our 
punishment  and  curse ;  so  that  by  undergoing  this 
painful,  ignominious  death,  he  might  atone  for  our 
sins,  and  satisfy  the  Divine  justice  for  the  innumerable 
offences  committed  against  it.  Now  as  this  Lamb  of 
God  was  taken  down  from  the  cross,  and  deposited 
in  a  sepulchre,  it  is  a  certain  proof  that  he  has  suffered 
all  the  punishment  he  deserved  on  our  account ;  that 
he  has  discharged  the  immense  debt,  abolished  the 
curse  of  the  law,  and  by  the  shedding  of  his  precious 
blood,  satisfied  the  Divine  justice.  For  if  justice  had 
any  further  claim  on  this  sacred  person,  it  never  would 
have  permitted  him  to  be  taken  down  from  the  cross, 
and  honourably  interred.  But  as  God  not  only  per- 
mitted, but  even  raised  up  a  man  of  wealth  and  dis- 
-tinction  to  be  the  instrument  of  it,  it  is,  as  it  were,  a 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  599 

public  declaration,lhat  justice  had  no  further  demands 
on  the  person  who  hung  on  the  cross ;  but  that  the 
whole  enormous  sum  of  the  debt  of  all  mankind  lias 
been  duly  and  completely  discharged.  This  is  a 
comfort  not  to  be  purchased  by  all  the  riches  of  this 
world  ;  but  it  must  be  appropriated  to  us  only  by  the 
medium  of  faith  and  repentance,  and  by  being  dead 
unto  sin,  but  alive  unto  God,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  (Rom.  vi.  9.) 

2.  O  glorious  type,  by  wdiich  the  curse 
Is  far  from  us  remov'd ! 
By  faith  we  claim  the  heav'nly  prize 
Laid  up  for  thy  belov'd. 

In  these  words  we  are  reminded  of  tlie  follow'lng 
passage  in  the  Divine  law  :  '  And  if  a  man  have  com- 
mitteda  sin  worthy  ofdeatli,  and  he  be  put  to  death,  and 
thou  hang  him  on  a  tree ;  his  body  shall  not  remain  all 
night  upon  the  tree,  but  thou  shall  in  any  wise  bury  him 
that  day,  for  he  thut  is  hanged  is  accursed  of  God,  that 
thy  land  be  not  defiled,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
thee  for  an  inheritance,'  (Deut.  xxi.  22,  23.)  That  this 
precept  alluded  to  Christ,  who  was  to  be  hanged  on  the 
cross  as  a  curse  for  us,  we  are  informed  by  St.  Paul,  in 
these  words  :  'Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse 
ot  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  fur  us;  for  it  is  v.ritten, 
cursed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  en  a  tree,' (Gal.  iii. 
13.)  What  a  wonderful  ordinance  of  providence  was 
this  !  While  an  Israelite  was  hanging  as  a  curse  on  ?. 
tree,  the  whole  community  of  which  he  was  a  member, 
the  whole  land  of  Israel  in  which  he  lived,  was  polluted 
and  accounted  unclean.  But  God,  by  allowing  that 
such  a  one  should  oe  taken  down  in  the  evening  and 
buried,  fignified,  that  his  justice  was  for  that  time 
satisfied,  by  the  punishment  of  the  transgressor;  ahd 
that  the  land,  where  God  had  thus  manifested  his  wrath, 
was  again  reconciled  to  him.  Jesus  bore  our  curse 
on  the  cross ;  but,  in  the  e\Tningr,  he  \vas  taken  down 


400  CillllST^S    SUJt'f BRINGS 

from  it  according  to  this  injunction  of  the  Divine  law* 
which  was  a  token  that  the  curse  was  removed,  and  the 
land  was  again  clean.  Now  he,  who  by  faith  enters  into 
fellowship  with  Christ,  becomes  a  partaker  of  his  death 
and  burial,  and  all  the  precious  fruits  accruing  from 
both  of  them.  Such  a  person  is  consequently  looked 
on  by  God,  as  if  he  himself  had  been  buried,  discharged, 
from  the  dt  mimds  of  the  ]a.w,  and  entirely  freed  from 
the^curse.  Know  therefore,  ye  penitent  believers  who 
are  in  this  happy  state,  that  you  are  clean  in  the  sight  of 
God,  and  that  there  is  no  longer  any  curse  or  condem- 
nation to  them  who  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  (Hom.  viii.  1.) 
The  curse  is  abolished  and  done  away  by  the  perfect 
innocence  of  your  Mediator.  Your  heavenly  Father  is 
reconciled  to  you  by  the  sufierings  ot  Christ  who 
hung  on  the  cross ;  and  satisfaction  having  been  made 
to  his  justice  by  your  surety,  he  has  discharged  you 
from  all  further  claims.  Only  approach  tlie  throne 
of  grace,  repent  of  your  sins,  believe  in  Christ,  and 
obey  his  precepts  ;  and  ye  shall  inherit  a  blessing,  in- 
stead of  a  curse. 

3.  Now  hast  thou  drank  the  bitter  cup 
Of  death,  without  a  groan, 
And  cloth'd  us  with  thy  righteousness, 
To  stand  before  thy  throne. 

The  burial  of  Christ  is  a  kind  of  intermediate  state 
between  his  death  and  resurrection,  and  serves  as 
a  confirmation  of  the  truth  of  both.  For,  from  the 
burial  of  Christ  it  is  evident, 

First,  That  he  really  died,  and  that  there  was  no 
collusion  in  the  manner  of  his  death.  Now  if  he 
really  died,  then  it  is  certain  that  he  tasted  death,  and 
consequently  that  he  really  overcame  death.  Hence 
it  appears,  that  death  had  not  an  absolute  power  o\er 
Jesus  the  Son  of  God ;  nevertheless,  Christ  having 
encountered  him,  it  was  overcome  by  him,  and  swal- 
lov/ed  up  in  victory.    The  Prince  ot  Life  ims  extracted 


ON  MOUNT    COLGOTIIA. 


4.01 


his  venomous  sting,  which  \vas  sin.  He  not  only 
triumphed  over  him  by  the  cross,  to  his  death ;  buL 
pursued  him  even  into  the  grave,  which  is  his  resi- 
dence and  strong-hold,  and  there,  as  it  were,  for  the 
last  time,  bruised  his  head.     But, 

Secondly,  It  is  likewise  clear  from  our  blessed 
Lord's  burial,  that  he  really  and  truly  rose  iigain  from 
the  dead.  By  his  resurrection  he  manifested  his 
triumph  over  death,  and  put  an  end  to  the  power  of 
death  over  himself;  he  demolished  death's  strong- 
hold, and  set  up  the  trophies  of  his  victory  therein. 
At  the  same  time,  he  laid  tiie  foundation  of  our  justifi- 
cation ;  hence  St.  Paul  savs,  '  That  he  was  raised 
again  for  our  justification,*  (Rom.  iv.  25.)  For  ay 
our  blessed  Saviour  was  himself  justified  in  his  resur- 
rection, i.  e.  he  was  publicly  discharged  by  the  decree 
of  the  supreme  judge  from  all  further  demands,  from, 
suffering  any  thing  more  on  account  of  sin  ;  so  all 
penitent  souls,  who  by  faith  are  found  in  Him,  are 
justified  by  his  person.  Now  these  comforts  spring 
from  Christ's  death,  the  certaintv  of  which,  as  well 
as  that  of  his  resurrection,  is  confirmed  by  his  buriah 

4.  Thy  sacred  word,  which  never  fails, 
Prefigures  things  to  come  ; 
The  lion's  den,  th'  enormous  whale, 
There  typify 'd  thy  tomb. 

Here  we  are  referred  to  that  part  of  scripture,  in 
which  the  burial  of  Christ  was  both  predicted  and  pre- 
figured. That  the  burial  of  Christ  was  foretold  in 
Holy  Writ,  may  be  inferred  from  these  v/ords  of  St- 
Paul :  *  He  was  buried  and  rose  again  the  third  day, 
according  to  the  scripture,'  (1  Cor.  xv.  4.)  Thus, 
for  instance,  when  it  is  said  in  the  Psalms,  '  Thou 
wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell  [or  in  the  state  of  de- 
parted souls]  neither  wilt  thou  suffer  thine  holy  onje 
to  see  corruption,'  (Psalm  xvi.  10.)  It  presupposes  that 
the  INIessiah  was  to  be  laid  in  the  grave,  which  is 
the  usual  place  of  corruption..  Isaiah  says,  'that 
the  Messiah  made  his  grave,   8;c.'  and  this  likewise 

VOL.  11.  £  ee 


402  CHIlIS'i'3    SUFFERINGS 

contains  a  clear  prophecy  of  the  burial  of  Christ.  But 
his  burial  is  further  typified  in  the  Old  Testament  by 
two  persons  mentioned  in  this  hymn,  narhely,  the  pro- 
phets Daniel  and  Jonah.  The  belly  of  the  whale,  in 
which  Jonah,  after  he  was  tlirown  into  the  sea,  remain- 
ed three  days  and  nights,  and  on  the  third  day  was 
cast  forth  alive,  and  without  any  hurt,  was  a  type  of 
the  sepulchre  of  Christ,  where  he  was  to  lie  part  of 
three  days,  well  secured  and  uncorrupted,  and  from 
wiiich  he  was  to  come  out  ag-;rin  alive  on  the  third  day. 
Of  diis  we  are  assured  by  the  i^ord  Jesus  himself  in 
these  vvords  :  For  as  Jonah  was  three  days  and  three 
ni«-hts  in  tlie  whale's  bellv,  so  shall  the  Son  of  Man 
be  three  days  and  three  nights  in  the  heart  of  the 
earili,'  (Matt.  xii.  40.)  But  the  prophet  Daniel  is 
a  type  no  less  remarkable. 

For  first,  on  account  of  his  excellency  above  the 
other  princes  and  wise  men  of  the  country,  he  was  un- 
deservedly, and  out  of  mere  envy,  persecuted,  and  re- 
presented to  the  idolatrous  Darius,  asadespiser  of  his 
commands.     Whereupon, 

2.  He  was  cast  into  the  den  of  lions,  the  door  of 
which  was  seated  with  the  king's  signet.  But  from 
thence, 

3.  He  Vi  as  early  in  the  morning  taken  out  alive. 

4.  He  was  advanced  to  greater  honour. 

5.  His  enemies  were  themselves  cast  as  a  prey  to 
the  hunyrv  lions. 

o    • 

Thus  Jesus  Christ  in  like  manner  was, 

1.  Out  of  mere  envy,  brought  before  an  idolatrous 
governor^  as  a  rebel  against  the  Roman  emperor,  by 
the  princes  and  rulers  of  the  Jev\dsh  people. 

2.  He  was  condemned  to  die,  and  afterwards  laid 
in  a  sciried  sepulchre.     But, 

3.  He  came  forth  alive  efrly  in  the  morning,  and 
thus  was  delivered  from  the  jaws  of  that  lion  (Psalm 
:kx.  21.)whieh  destroys  all  things  living. 

4.  He  was  thereupon  crowned  with  honours  and 
gloijj  and  exalted  above  all  the  works  of  God, 


ON  MOUNT   COLCOTIIA.  403 

5.  His  enemies,  on  the  other  hand,  sliall  be  plunged 
into  the  pit  of  perdition,  which  they  hud  dug  for  him. 
Thus  God's  truth  gloriotisly  displays  itself  in  the  I)u- 
rial  of  our  blessed  !Saviour  ;  and  thus  several  prophe- 
cies and  types  of  the  Old  Testament  are  accom- 
plished by  it. 

5,  Thou  like  a  fruitful  corn  of  wheat 
Art  to  the  earth  consign'd, 
Whence  thou  shy  It  rise,  and  vrith  thee  luring 
'I'he  hai^vest  of  mankind. 

These  words  bring  to  our  mind  what  the  Lord 
Jesus  himself  had  foretold  of  his  burial  and  resur- 
rection. He  alludes  to  his  burial  by  these  words  : 
*  Except  a  corn  of  wheat  fall  into  the  ground,  and 
die,  it  abideth  alone.'  He  then  alludes  to  his  resur- 
rection, by  adding,  'but  if  it  die,  it  bringeth  forth 
much  fruit,'  (John  xii.  24.)  By  these  words  our 
blessed  Lord  gives  us  to  understand,  that  his  death 
and  burial  were  no  less  necessary  to  his  resurrection^^ 
than  the  dying  of  a  corn  of  wheat  is  to  its  vcgitation 
and  fertility.  For  unless  the  grain  be  cast  into  the 
earth,  and  given  up  to  corruplion,  it  bringeth  forili  no 
fryit ;  thus,  unless  Christ  had  died,  and  at  least  been 
laid  in  the  place  of  corruption,  he  could  not  have  ac- 
quired for  us  the  grace  of  God,  and  a  right  to  eterual 
life.  O  the  transcendent  love  of  Christ,  who,  by 
dying,  hath  begotten  us  again  to  a  glorious  and  an 
immortal  life ! 

6.  Even  in  thy  darksome  grave  I  see   ^ 
Thy  dawn  of  glory  shine. 
Which  in  full  blaze  on  the  third  morn 
Display 'd  thy  pow'r  divine. 

The  burial  of  Christ  is  to  be  considered, 

First,  As  a  seal  of  his  innocence.     Thus  both  are 

connected  together ;  hence   the    propiiet   says,   '  He 

was  v.lth  the  rich  in  his  death,'  i  e.  '  lie  was  laid  in 

the  sepulchre  of  a  rich  man,  because  he  had  done  no 


404  cjirist's  sufferings 

■violence,  neither  was  any  deceit  in  his  mouth,'  (Isaiah 
liii.  9.)  As  Jesus,  during  his  life,  was  infinitely  se- 
parated from  sinners ;  so  in  his  burial  he  was  to  be 
distinguished  from  the  malefactors  who  were  crucified 
with  him,  whose  bodies  were  exposed  to  birds  and 
beasts  of  prey,  or  thrown  into  a  common  receptacle 
for  executed  bodies,  and  half  covered  with  earth. 

Secondly,  The  burial  of  Christ  is  a  mirror  of  his  ex- 
altation, in  which  we  see  the  dawn  of  his  approaching 
^.glorification  ;  since  some  beams  of  his  glory  were  dis- 
].>la}  ed  at  the  sepulchre  in  which  his  body  was  laid. 
At  the  same  time,  this  is  an  earnest  that  the  bodies 
of  believers,  after  the  separation  of  their  souls  shall 
rest  in  their  graves  under  God's  particular  care,  till 
their  resurrection,  and  fflorificadon,  when  the  Lord 
Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from  heaven  in  flaming  fire, 
(2  Thess.  i.  7,  8.) 

7.  Since  then  my  Saviour  did  descend 

Into  the  tomb,  and  thence  arose, 
He  made  the  chambers  of  the  grave 
A  downy  couch  of  soft  repose. 

This  is  a  very  comfortable  inference  which  is  drawn 
from  our  Saviour's  burial ;  namely,  that  our  grave  is 
thereby  sanctified,  and  changed  into  a  calm  and  quiet 
recess  for  sleep.  Anciently  the  evil  spirits  in  demo- 
iii:ics  made  their  abode  among  the  tombs,  (Mark  v. 
5.)  and  these  were  the  ensigns  of  their  tiiumphs, 
which,  since  the  introduction  of  sin,  they  had  erected 
•imong  mankind.  But  since  the  only  begotten  Son  of 
God  has  condescended  to  be  laid  in  the  grave,  the  se- 
pulchres are  become  silent  recesses  for  sleep  and  rest ; 
and  are  so  far  sanctified  by  his  short  abode  among  the 
tombs,  that  even  the  angels  of  light  are  not  ashamed  to 
appear  tht-re,  (John  xx.  12.)  Who  will  now  dread  the 
grave,  since,  through  Christ,  it  is  made  as  it  were  the 
gloomy  passage  that  leads  to  the  regions  of  eternal  day  ? 

8.  As  in  the  font  I  die  to  sin, 

And  wash  my  guilt  away, 
Grant  I  may  rise,  and  \\h\\  the  mounf 
Unto  the  realms  of  dav  I 


ON   MOUNT    GOLGOTHA.  405 

In  these  words  we  are  directed  to  Christ's  burial, 
as  a  source  of  comfort.  St.  Paul  says,  '  If  one  d";ed 
for  all,  then  were  all  dead;'  (2  Cor.  v.  14.)  hence  we 
may  further  infer,  that  if  one  was  buried,  then  were  all 
buried.  For  as  the  first  Adam,  in  his  tall,  represented 
the  whole  race  of  mankind  :  so  in  the  work  of  re- 
demption, the  second  Adam,  in  his  circumcision, 
crucifixion,  death,  and  burial,  was  likewise  the  re- 
presentative of  all  mankind.  Therefore  it  is  said  in 
scripture  of  believers  who  enter  into  the  fellowship  of 
the  blessed  Jesus,  'That  they  are  circumcii^c d  with 
Christ,  crucified  with  Christ,  dead  with  Christ,  &c.' 
(Rom.  vi.4,  8.  Col.  ii.  11,  12.)  To  this  fellowship  with 
Christ's  burial  we  are  brought  by  baptism  ;  hence  ibt. 
Paul  says,  '  that  we  are  buried  with  him  in  baptism,' 
(Col,  ii.  12.)  For  as  anciently  the  whole  body  was 
immersed  in  the  water  of  baptism,  and  thus  as  it 
were  buried  and  concealed  for  some  moments,  from 
the  sight  of  spectators  ;  this  short  continuance  under 
the  water  signified  that  baptised  persons  are,  as  it  were, 
buried  with  Christ,  and  consequently  are  eniitled  to . 
all  the  benefits  which  our  Saviour  purchased  for  us  by 
his  death  and  burial.  From  this  intimate  union  with 
the  buried  Jesus,  a  person  that  is  baptised  is  to  be 
accounted  as  one  really  dead  unto  sin;  and  as  one  who 
by  Christ's  passion  has  really  made  satisfaction  to 
God's  justice  ;  so  that  neither  sin  nor  the  curse  at- 
tending it,  neither  the  world  nor  the  devil,  dare  tri- 
umph over  him  any  longer,  since  he  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
But  our  Saviour's  burial  was  follo'.ved  ov  his  resur- 
j'ection ;  so  we,  that  are  buried  with  Christ,  must 
also  rise  again  with  him  from  the  grave  of  sin,  and 
walk  in  newness  of  life. 

Let  us  praise  our   faithful  Saviour,  who    already, 
is  it  were,  in  our  infancy  has  received  us  into    'lie 
fellowship  of  his  burial,     when  we  couid  only  lame-,- 
our  misery  with  tears,  but  had  not  wortls  tocxn. 
our  indigence    and    request  such  a  btnefii    ( 
But  let  us,  at  the  same  time,  enter  on  a  c 


406  CHHIST's  SUFFERINGS,  Sec. 

amination,  whether  we  are  dead  un  o  sin,  and  whether 
jve  are  buried  with  Christ,  and  made  alive  to  God. — 
The  old  man  must  be  forever  put  off;  the  sins,  which 
Christ  once  buried  in  his  grave,  are  never  more  to  be 
brought  to  light  again.  Ii  we  have  already  done  this, 
let  us  with  a  srodlv  sorrow  a2:ain  enter  into  the  fellow- 
ship  of  Christ's  death  and  burial.  '  Let  us  mortify 
our  members  which  are  upon  the  eardi ;  fornication, 
uncleanness,  inordinate  affection,  evil  concupiscence, 
and  covetousness ;  in  a  word,  let  us  put  offtlie  old 
man  with  his  deed,'  (Col.  iii.  5 — 9.)  L^.l  us,  as 
those  who  are  dead  to  the  lusts  of  the  flesh  and  the 
pride  of  life,  adhere  to  the  fellowship  of  Jesus  Christ 
and  his  cross.  Let  us  be  willing  to  be  '  hid  with 
Christ  in  God,  so  that  when  Christ,  who  is  our  life, 
shall  appear,  we  may  also  appear  with  him  in  glory," 
(Col.  v.  3,  4.)  To  this  end,  may  the  living  God, 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  his  beloved  Son,  richly 
bless  to  us  this  and  all  the  preceding  Considerations, 
that  they  may  bring  forth  in  us  the  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness, peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

THE     PRAYER. 

O  BLESSED  Jesus,  who  didst  subuiit  unto  death^ 
and  descend  into  the  dark  mansions  of  the  dead  for 
our  sake,  praised  be  thy  name  for  these  demonstra- 
tions of  thy  love.  O  make  us  the  happy  partakers 
of  all  the  fruits  of  thy  meritorious  sufferings,  thy  death, 
and  thy  burial !  Ever  praised  be  thy  name  for  the 
grace  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  mc  in  the  Con- 
tiideration  of  thy  manifold  sufferings,  from  thy  inter- 
nal agony  in  the  garden  at  the  Mount  of  Olives,  to  thy 
descent  into  the  silent  chambers  of  the  grave.  Set 
thy  seal  to  all  the  good  thoughts,  v.iilch  these  Con- 
fsiderations  have  stirred  in  our  hearts ;  and  may  we 
in  life  and  death,  in  the  hours  of  suffering  and  inter- 
vals of  joy,  from  thy  passion  derive  health,  strength, 
comfort,  and  blessing !  Grant  this  for  the  sake  of 
thine  everlasting-  love  to  mankind.     Amen. 


APPENDIX. 

THE 

Prince  of  Life, 

CONDEMNED  TO  DEATH, 
A  FAST  SERMON, 

yilEACHED      AT     JENA,     IN      LENT,      1721. 

By  J,  Ramhach^  S.  T.  P. 


MAY  the  crucified  Jesus,  for  his  passion's  sake, 
at  this  time  impart  to  us  divine  strength  and  divine 
wisdom ;  and  may  he  give  us  such  a  salutary  know- 
ledge of  the  m\  stery  of  his  condemnation,  as  may 
awaken  us  to  faith  and  repentance !     Amen. 

'  In  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof,  thou  shalt 
surely  die,'  (Gen.  ii.  17.)  This,  my  beloved  bre- 
thren, was  God's  just  and  solemn  menace  to  our 
first  parents,  in  order  to  deter  them  from  eating  of  the 
forbidden  tree.  This  prohibition  v.as  not  given  on 
account  of  any  noxious  quality  in  the  fruit,  as  some 
have  vainly  imagined.  It  was  rather  from  a  paternal 
care,  that  God  interdicted  the  use  of  the  fruit  of  the 
tree  of  kno^vledge  of  good  and  evil  to  the  representa- 
tives of  mankiiid.  These  words  are  therefore  to  be 
considered  as  a  judicial  sentence,  in  which  God  declares 
to  man  that,  on  transgrcssing.this  his  solemn  command 
by  disobedience,  he  would  not  only  render  himself 
obnoxious  to  spiritual  death,  and  forfeit  the  divine 
life;  but  also  would  incur  the  whole  penalty  threatened 
in  these  words,  and  infallibly  draw  on  himself  both 
temporal  and  eternal  dciitli,  as  a  just  punishment  for 
his  sins. 


408  APPENDIX. 

How  dreadfully  ihis  judicial  threatening  has  been 
fuliilled,  we  are  taught  by  sad  experience.  For  we 
all  enter  into  this  world  dead  in  sin,  and  deprived  of 
that  life  wiiich  is  from  God  ;  and  we  are  by  a  painful 
temporal  death  to  be  removed  out  of  it.  Death  rules 
and  tyrannizes  over  all  the  descendants  of  fallen  Adam, 
and  spares  neither  age,  sex,  nor  rank  ;  and  if  no 
gracious  covenant  had  intervened,  this  sentence  of  the 
Supreme  Law-giver,  '  Thou  shalt  surely  die,'  would 
have  been  executed  on  the  whole  human  race  in  its 
utmost  extent  ;  and  all  of  us  would  have  been  con- 
signed to  the  lake  that  burnetii  with  fire  and  brimstone, 
wiiich  is  the  second  death. 

But  the  compassionate  love  and  tenderness  of  our 
Creator,  who  has  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  a  sinner, 
with  pity  suw  man,  as  it  were,  lying  in  death,  and  gra- 
ciously said,  '  Thou  shalt  live.'  For  God,  immedi- 
ately after  the  fall,  promised  to  send  his  Son  into  the 
world,  who  should  bruise  the  serpent's  head,  destroy 
sin  and  dciith,  and  recover  for  us  a  right  to  the  spi- 
ritual and  ttcrnai  life. 

But  by  what  arduous  steps,  by  what  amazing 
meajis,  has  this  redemption  been  accomplished.  It 
was  necess.Ty  that  this  sentence,  '  Thou  shalt  surely 
die,'  should  be  first  denounced  against  our  Mediator, 
before  that  gracious  promise,  '  Thou  shalt  live,'  could 
be  made  to  man.  It  was  necessary  that  He  should  ap- 
pear in  our  stead,  as  the  representative  of  sinners  and 
transgressors,  and  submit  to  the  sentence  of  death ; 
that  we  might  appear  before  the  Divine  tribunal  in 
his  stead,  and  hear  the  sentence  or  promise  of  life  from 
the  mouth  of  his  reconciled  Father.  In  this  amazing 
instance,  the  delinquent  is  forgiven,  and  the  surety 
suffers ;  and  He,  who  one  day  will  call  tiie  dead  to 
life,  was  himself  sentenced  to  die. 

The  end  of  our  meetinf^;  here  on  this  fast-dav  beins:, 
as  the  present  season  of  Lent  requires,  to  consider 
with  seriousness  and  attention  this  important  part  of 
our  blessed  Saviour's  siifferingSj  let  us.  v/ith  united 


APPENDIX.  409' 

fervours  of  devotion,  call  on  the  livinj^  God,  that  he 
will  be  pleased  to  bless  the  consideration  of  this  in- 
teresting subject  to  our  souls,  so  that  all  of  us  may  be 
richly  edified  thereby  ;  and  to  this  end  let  us  call  upon 
him  saying,  '  Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  &c.' 

The  part  of  the  history  of  the  passion,  which  is  to 
be  the  subject  of  our  present  discourse,  is  thus  re- 
lated in  the  harmonized  account  of  the  three  l":L^■angc- 
lisits,  (Matt.  xxvi.  Mark  xiv.  Luke  xxii.) 

THE    TEXT. 

'Now  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  and  all  the  coun- 
cil, sought  false  witness  against  Jesus,  to  put  him  to 
death ;  but  found  none.  Yea,  though  many  bare 
false  witness  against  him,  their  testimony  agreed  not 
together.  At  the  last  came  two  false  witnesses  and 
bare  false  testimony  against  him,  saying,  We  heard 
him  say,  I  am  able  to  [I  will]  destroy  this  temple  of 
God  that  is  made  with  hands,  and  within  three  days 
I  will  build  another  made  without  hands.  But  nei- 
ther so  did  their  witness  agree  together.  Then  the 
High  Priest  stood  up  in  the  mjdst,  and  asked  Jesus, 
saying,  Answerest  thou  nothing  ?  what  is  it  that  these 
witness  against  thee  ?  But  Jesus  held  his  peace,  and 
answered  nothing. 

'  Again  the  High  Priest  asked  Jesus,  Art  thou  the 
Christ,  the  Son  of  the  Blessed?  I  adjure  thee  by  the 
living  God,  that  thou  tell  us,  vvheiher  thou  be  the 
Christ,  the  Son  of  God  :  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Thou 
hast  said  ;  I  am.  Nevertheless  I  say  unto  you.  Here- 
after ye  shall  see  the  Son  of  Man  sitting  on  the-right 
hand  of  power,  and  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven. 

*  Then  the  High  Priest  rent  his  clothes,  saying, 
He  has  spoken  blasphemy,  what  further  need  have  we 
of  witnesses '?  Behold,  now  ye  have  heard  his  blas- 
phemy. What  think  ye  ?  They  all  condei-uied  hiir;, 
and  answered  and  said.  He  is  guilty  of  death. 

'  Then  some  began  to  spit  on  him,  and  ihey  did 
spit  in  his  face.     And  the  servants,  and  the  men  who 

VOL.    IT.  •      F  f  f 


410  APPENDIX. 

held  Jesus,  mocked  him,  smote  him,  and  buffeted 
him.  And  they  blind-folded  him,  and  struck  him  on 
the  face ;  and  asked  him,  sa3ing,  Prophesy  unto  us, 
thou  Christ,  who  is  it  that  smote  thee  ?  And  many 
other  things  blasphemously  spake  they  against  him. 

*  And  straightway  in  the  morning,  as  soon  as  it  was 
day,  tht  chief  priests,  the  elders  of  the  people,  and  the 
!:;cribes,  came  together,  and  led  him  into  their  coun- 
cil. And  they  said.  Art, thou  tiie  Christ?  tell  us. 
And  he  said  unto  them,  If  I  tell  you,  ye  will  not  be- 
lieve ;  and  if  I  ask  jou,  ye  will  not  answ-er  me,  nor 
let  me  go.  Hereafter  shall  the  Son  of  Man  sit  on  the 
right  hand  of  the  power  of  God.  Then  said  they  all 
Art  thou  then  the  ^on  of  God  ?  and  he  said  unto 
them,  Ye  say  that  I  am.  And  they  said,  What  need 
we  any  further  witnesses  ?  for  we  ourselves  have  heard 
of  his  oTvn  mouth.' 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  !  Among  other  glorious  titles 
attributed  to  our  blessed  Saviour,  that  of  Prince  of 
Li  IE,  which  is  given  to  him  by  St.  Peter,  (Acts  iii. 
15.)  is  a  very  remarkable  one,  '  Ye  have  crucified  the 
Prince  of  Life,'  says  the  apostle  to  the  Jews.  Our 
Saviour  was,  not  only  by  his  Divine  nature,  the  source 
of  life  in  the  kingdom  of  nature,  the  kingdom  of  grace, 
and  the  kingdom  of  glory  ;  but,  likewise  in  his  human 
nature,  wherein  the  FatJier  had  given  to  him  life  in 
himself,  (John  v.  26.)  Thus  death  had  no  claim  on 
this  glorious,  this  divine  person,  had  he  not  by  the 
grace  of  God  voluntarily  determined,  'to  taste  death 
for  every  man,'  (Heb.  ii.  9.)  In  order  to  hear  the  sen- 
tcnceof  death  pronounced  on  him,  he  freeh  submitted 
to  be  brought  before  the  tribunal  of  man.  Of  the 
several  circumstances  relating  to  diis  wonderful  event, 
we  Inive  a  melancholy  account  in  the  harmonised  text 
of  the  evangelists  citied  above,  which  shows  us  how 
the  Prince  of  Life  was  condemned  to  death  by  the 
rulers  of  the  Jews. 

In  explaining  these  words,  wc  shall 
First,  Consider  what  preceded  the  sentence  of  death 
passed  on  our  blessed  Saviour, 


-     APPENDIX,  411 

Secondly,  The  circumstances  with  which  it  was 
accompanied. 

Thirdly,  What  followed  that  iniquitous  sentence. 

O  blessed  Jesus,  thou  Son  of  the  most  high  God, 
we  intreat  thee  by  thy  bitter  passion,  that  thou  would- 
est  assist  us  with  thy  grace,  that  v/e  may  continually 
obey  thy  precepts,  shun  all  evil,  and,  to  our  great  edi- 
fication, meditate  on  thy  meritorious  death,  an.d  the 
cause  of  it !  and  in  return  for  it,  though  we  are  poor 
and  weak,  deign  to  accept  of  our  sacrifice  of  praise- 
and  thanksgiving ! 

EXPLANATION  OF    THE   TEXT. 

PART     I. 

We  are,  in  the  first  place,  to  consider  what  pre- 
<jeded  the  sentence  of  death,  which  was  passed  on  thc 
Prince  of  Life  ;  and  this  was. 

First,  The  deposition  of  the  false  witnesses,  and, 

Secondly,  The  glorious  confession  made  by  Christy 
the  true  and  faithful  witness. 

First,  As  to  the  depositions  of  the  false  witnesses, 
we  shall  in  the  first  place,  enquire  who  the  judges 
were,  before  whom  those  witnesses  delivered  their 
evidence.  These,  as  the  text  informs  us,  were  the 
chief  priests  and  the  elders,  and  the  whole  sanhe- 
drim or  great  council,  i.  e.  the  whole  ecclesiastical 
consistory  of  the  Jews.  This  council  was  compo- 
sed of  the  chief  priests  and  the  elders,  to  whom 
also  were  joined  the  scribes,  or  interpreters  of  the 
law  ;  for  in  other  passages  of  the  gospel  history  tb.ey 
are  expressly  mentioned  as  composing  part  of  the 
council,  (Matt.  xxvi.  57.  Luke  xxii.  66.)  Of  these 
members  of  the  council,  some  were  ecclesiastics,  others 
were  lay-men ;  but  at  that  time  both  the  priests  and 
the  laity  among  the  Jews  were  extremely  corrii;:)t  r.nd 
depraved.  As  for  the  dispositions  of  the  great  conn- 
cil  at  the  time  of  the  Mc  ssiah,  and  their  behaviour  to- 
wards liim  ^vhom  the  Lord  anointed  King  \\\  Sion, 


412  APPENDIX. 

it  had  long  since  been  foretold  by  the  prophet  Zepha- 
niah,  (chap.  iii.  3,  4.)  'That  the  princes  of  Jerusa- 
lem,' '/.  e.  the  chief  priests  and  president  of  the  coun- 
cil, '  were  roaring  lions ;  that  her  judges,'  z.  e.  the 
other  assessors  and  elders,  'were  ravening  wolves/ 
(and  on  this  occasion,  they  assembled  in  the  night  like 
wolves.)  The  prophetic  spirit  likewise  adds,  'Her 
prophets,  or  scribes  and  lawyers,  are  light  and  trea- 
cherous persons  ;  her  priests  have  polluted  the  sanc- 
tuary,' i.  e.  they  reviled  the  Messiah,  the  most  sacred 
sanctuary  ot  Israel,  (Isaiah  viii.  14.)  and  represented 
him  as  a  blasphemer,  '  and  done  violence  to  the  law.' 
So  degenerate  and  base  was  the  sanhedrim  or  supreme 
council  of  the  Jews,  which  had  formerly  been  so  highly 
reverenced,  that  their  decrees  were  looked  upon  as 
the  decrees  of  God.  'Ihus  the  most  sacred  and  re- 
spectable ordinances  of  God  my  be  perverted  and 
piophaned  by  impious  men.  Who  now  will  suffer 
himself  to  be  dazzled  by  the  high  stations  of  men,  and 
to  be  awed  by  the  authority  of  councils,  synods,  &  c. 
biiice  the  Son  of  God  is  here  unanimously  condemned 
to  die  as  a  blasphemer,  by  a  very  numerous  and  au- 
gust assembly  ? 

Before  this  spiritual  tribunal  witnesses  are  produced 
against  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  for  the  evangelist  observes, 
that  '  the  whole  council  sought  false  witness  against 
Jesus  to  put  him  to  death,'  (Matt.  xxvi.  59.)  These 
iniquitous  judges  were  long  before  determined  to  de- 
stroy Jesus  of  Nazareth  at  any  rate,  who  had  so  fre- 
quently disturbed  their  carnal  security  ;  who  had 
reproached  them  for  their  hypocrisy,  pride,  and  co- 
vetousness,  and  by  driving  the  buyers  and  sellers  out 
of  the  temple,  had  curtailed  their  profits.  Besides,  by 
his  holy  and  exemplary  life,  he  had  disgraced  their 
worldly,  sensual,  and  sinful  conversation. 

In  order  to  preserve  the  appearance  oi"  proceeding 
in  all  things  according  to  the  letter  of  the  law  of  Moses, 
and  conscquenMy  according  to  justice  and  equity, 
ihcy  indeed  produced  wituessesj  especially  as  the  bies- 


APPENDIX.  413 

sed  Jesus,  at  his  examination,  had  himself  insisted  on. 
this  point,  and  required  that  they  should  ask  them, 
who  heard  him,  concerning  his  doctrine,  (John  xviii, 
21.)  But  St.  Matthew  stigmatizes  the  evidence  by 
•calling  them  'false  vvitnesses,'  and  their  deposition  a 
false  testimony.  It  is  therefore. very  probable,  that  they 
had  either  been  subborned  with  money,  or  allured  by 
promises  ;  or  perhaps  they  might,  of  their  own  accord, 
out  of  an  inveterate  malice  against  Jesus,  or  hopes  of 
worldly  advantages,  come  into  court,  and  formally  de- 
pose the  impious  fictions  they  had  contrived.  For 
where  there  are  unjust  rulers  »and  judges,  there  will 
not  be  wanting  abandoned  wretches,  who,  for  a  mor- 
sel of  bread,  will  be  the  tools  of  their  iniquity,  and  lay 
aside  all  regard  to  truth  and  conscience.  Of  this  the 
Messiah  complains,  by  the  mouth  of  the  Psalmist  in 
these  words:  (Psalm  xxxv.  15,  16.)  'Yea,  the  ab- 
jects  gathered  themselves  together  against  me,  and  I 
knew  it  not ;  they  did  tear  me  [or  wrested  my  words] 
and  ceased  not.  With  hypocritical  mockers,  they 
gnashed  upon  me  with  their  teeth.  Mine  enemies 
speak  evil  of  me  :  When  shall  he  die  and  his  name 
perish?'  (Psalm  xli.  5.)  Thus  it  is  said  in  the  text, 
'  They  sought  false  witness  against  Jesus  to  put  him 
lo  death.'  This  is  predicted  in  the  6th  and  7th  verses 
of  this  Psalm,  the  meaning  of  which  seems  to  be  this  : 
"  When  they  come  to  see  and  examine  my  cause  judi- 
cially, they  speak  falsehood  ;  they  gather  together  to 
themselves  iniquity  in  their  hearts,  and  endeavour  to 
collect  a  multitude  of  crimes,  which  are  only  the  in- 
ventions of  their  own  false  hearts ;  then  they  appear 
in  court,  and  openly  declare  them  as  certain  truths." 
In  which  words,  the  spirit  of  propecy  has  given  a  lively 
representation  of  the  iniquitous  trial  of  our  Saviour, 
in  Caiaphas's  house. 

The  law  of  Moses,  indeed,  required  but  two  or 
three  witnesses  to  give  evidence  in  the  trial  of  a  person 
for  a  capital  oftence  ;  but  here  whole  b-oops  of  false 
witnesses  rose  up  against  the  soul  of  the  righteous. 


414  APPENJDIX'. 

(Psalm  xciv.  21.)  However,  all  their  dcpositioncJ 
afforded  not  so  mucli  as  the  appearance  of  any  thing", 
by  which  Jesus  could  be  legally  condemned  to  death. 
For  their  testimony  did  not  agree,  and  one  witness 
immediately  invalidated  what  another  had  just  dcu 
clared.  Thus  God  here  fulfilled  what  D  ;vid,  a  lively- 
type  of  Christ,  had  once  prayed  for  :  '  Divide  their 
tongues,  O  Lord,'  (Psalm  Iv.  9.)  Thus  the  purity 
of  our  blessed  Saviour's  doctrine,  and  the  sanctity  of 
his  life,  shone  out  with  superior  lustre,  notwithstand* 
ing  all  the  vile  practices  and  black  calumnies  of  those 
vvho  were  for  obscuring  his  character.  Our  blessed 
Lord  might  therefore  say  on  this  occasion  also, 
*  Which  of  you  convinceth  me  of  sin  ?'  (John  viii.  46.) 
Thus  does  innocence  appear  triumphant  amidst  its 
enemies  ;  and  it  is  a  ver}-  difficult  task  for  the  perse- 
cutors of  truth  to  oppress  it,  mth  any  shadow  of  justice 
cr  equity.  O  the  immense  value  of  a  good  cent 
.vience,  which  braves  the  tempest  like  a  firm  and  im- 
moveable rock !  for  when  the  foaming  waves  beat 
against  ii,  they  only  dash  themselves  to  pieces. 

Hovv^ever,  it  might  be  a  just  occasion  of  wonder,  if 
heii  should  want  engines  for  accomplishing  any  wicked 
design.  At  last,  two  false  witnesses  are  found,  (and 
these  perhaps  were  members  of  the  council)  who  con- 
fidently came  fordi,  as  it  they  had  been  sure  of  earning 
theif  jjoint.  These  miscreants  depose,  that  they  heard 
from  our  Saviour's  own  mouth,  words,  which  con- 
tained a  horrid  blasphemy.  They  here  aliidcd  to  the 
words  that  Christ  had  spoken  soon  after  his  entr^iiice 
on  his  pubhc  ministerial  office,  which  were  still  fresh 
in  their  memory  ;  it  being  a  saying  which  they  could 
not  well  digest.  Our  blessed  Lord's  v^ords  to  which 
they  hinted  at,  were  these  :  '  Destroy  this  temple,  and 
in  three  days  I  nill  raise  it  up,'  (John  ii.  11'.)  Jesus^ 
in  these  words,  spoke  of  the  temple  of  his  body,  in 
which  dwelt  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead.  He  had 
foretold,  that  the  Jews  would  indeed  destroy  his  body, 
by  d^-ath  •>  bu.t  that,  on  the  third  day,  he  would  again 


APPENDIX.  4.15 

laise  it  up  by  his  resurrection.  But  these  flagilicus 
witnesses  treated  our  blessed  Saviour's  innocent  words 
as,  in  our  days,  the  world  usually  deals  wiih  tliose  of 
the  witnesses  of  the  truth  ;  they  scandalously  pre  verted 
them,  wrested  them  from  their  true  meaning,  and 
quoted  them  without  any  regard  to  truth,  justice,  or 
equity.     For, 

1.  Christ  had  said,  'Destroy  this  temple:'  But 
they  pretend  that  they  had  heard  him  say,  '  1  will  de- 
stroy this  temple.' 

2.  Jesus  spoke  of  the  temple  of  his  body,  and  pro- 
bably pointed  to  it  with  his  hand,  when  lie  uttered 
these  words;  but  tliey  charge  hnn  vrith  having  spoken 
of  the  Jewish  temple  at  Jerusalem. 

3.  'i hey  add,  'that  is  made  with  kinds;'  words 
which  our  blessed  Saviour  never  uttered :  For  he 
spoke  of  his  body,  which  St.  Paul  terms  '  a  tabernacle 
not  made  with  hands,'  (Heb.  ix.   11.) 

4.  And  lastly,  They  falsely  pretend  that  Jesus  said, 
he  would  erect  '  another  temple  made  without  hands  ;* 
whereas  our  bJessed  Lord  oni)  declared,  that  he  would 
Kuse  up  the  demolished  temple  of  his  o'u  n  body  in 
three  days.  This  may  be  looked  upon  as  a  master- 
piece of  knavery  and  prevarication.  Hovrever,  even 
the  fuliginous  vapour  of  this  black  calumny,  vent- 
ed in  a  four-fold  falsehood,  could  not  obscure  the 
innocence  of  the  Eternal  Truth.  For  after  all,  it  is 
said  by  the  Evangelist,  (Mark  xiv.  5D.) '  But  neither 
so  did  their  witness  agree  together,'  1  heir  testimony 
did  not  agree  w:-ith  the  sound  and  sense  of  the  \\  ords, 
which  Jesus  had  spoken ;  nor  did  they  even  agree 
with  one  another.  But  il  they  had  absolutely  agreed 
with  each  other,  and  proved  that  Jesus  had  spoken  the 
very  words  according  to  the  meaning  they  had  affixed 
to  them  ;  yet  that  would  not  have  been  a  sufficient 
cause  to  pass  a  capital  sentence  on  Jesus,  and  conse- 
quently did  not  answer  the  purpose  of  the  Jewish 
council :  For  '  they  sought  faise  witnesses,  against 
Jesus,  to  put  him  to  death;'  and  lor  thi."5  the  depositions 


416  APPENDIX. 

were  not  sufficient.  For,  supposing  that  Jesus  had 
spoken  these  words  of  their  temple,  the  greatest  guilt 
he  could  have  incurred,  if  he  failed  in  the  work^ 
would  have  been  that  of  an  arrogant  temerity  ;  which 
is  by  no  means  punishable  ^\'ith  death.  But  if  he  had 
made  good  his  words,  and  witl:in  three  days  rebuilt 
them  another  temple,  where  would  have  been  the 
great  damage  ?  AVhat  loss  would  they  have  sustained? 
Must  they  not  have  acknowledged  this  to  be  a  proof  of 
his  supernatural  and  Divine  pow  er  ?  Lastly,  to  allege 
such  a  crime  against  Jesns  would  have  proved  of  no 
effect  before  Pilate,  the  Roman  governor,  who  would 
have  made  a  jest  of  it.  'I'hus  the  Jewish  rulers  were 
preplexed  in  their  wicked  machinations,  and  con- 
founded and  baffled  by  their  own  witnesses,  the  tools 
they,  employed  to  compass  their  impious  designs. — 
Having  thus  considered  the  depositions  of  these  false 
witnesses,  we  come, 

Secondly,    To    consider  the    glorious    confession 
made  by  Christ,  the  true  and  faithful  witness. 

In  the  mean  tim.e,   the  High   Priest,  who,  like    a 
ravenous   wolf,  thirsted  after  innocent   blood,  grew 
impatient ;  and  as  his  witnesses  were  of  no  avail  to 
him,  he  goes  about  to  extort  a  subject,  on  which  he 
might  found   a  ctipital   sentence,  irom    our   blessed 
Lord's  own  mouth.     Hitherto   the   Lamb    of  God, 
having  with  a  silent  mildness  and  serenity  heard  all 
these  wicked  accusations  which  confuted  themselves, 
and  the  falsity  of  which  was  manif(?st  to  the  judges  own 
consciences,  had  retured  no  answer  in  justification  of 
himself.     Thus,  by  his  silence,  he  expiated  the  sinful 
apology  of  the  first  Adam,  (who  was  for  vindicating 
himself  against  God's  just   accusations)  and,  at  the 
same  time,  maniftsted  his  willingness  to  suffer  death. 
At  length  the  High  Priest  adjures  him  by  the  living- 
God  to  declare,  whether  he  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of 
tlie  Most  High.     By  diis  behaviour  his  design  was,  as 
it  were,  to  bring  the  conscience  of  the  accused  to  the 
torture,  in  order  to  come  at  the  truth ;  not  that  he  in- 


AITENDIX.  417 

tended  to  believe  and  acquiesce  in  his  confession, 
but  that  he  might  make  use  of  it  for  compassing'  his 
impious  and  bloody  design.  For  it  had  long  before 
been  declared  by  the  great  council,  that  Jesns  was 
not  the  Messiah  or  Christ,  but  a  moA'er  of  sedition  ; 
and  a  decree  had  been  passed  by  that  assembly, 
to  excommunicate  all  that  acknowledged  him  as  the 
Messiah  or  Christ,  (John  ix.  22.)  Alas!  how  must  the 
heart  of  the  Lord  Jesus  been  affected  at  this  adjura- 
tion !  He  is  here  accounted  a  sly  dissembler,  who 
concealed  the  truth.  He  hears  the  sacred  name  of  his 
heavenly  Father  scandalously  abused ;  that  awful  name 
for  which  he  had  so  profound  a  reverence. 

And  now,  our  blessed  Saviour,  the  faithful  and  true 
witness,  no  longer  thought  proper  to  be  silent ;  but 
made  a  good  confession,  though  he  \\'eli  foresaw  what 
a  storm  of  wrath  and  indignation  it  \vould  raise  in  the 
couiicil.  For  being  asked  this  question  :  '  Art  thou 
the  Christ  the  Son  of  God  V  he  shewed  himself  lo  be 
the  person,  who  Avas  come  into  the  world  to  bear 
witness  to  the  truth,  (John  xviii.  37.)  and  had  said  by 
the  m  iUth  of  the  Psalmist,  *I  have  not  refrained  my 
lips,  O  Lord,  thou  knovvc^t  ;  I  iiave  not  concealed 
thy  trutii  from  the  great  congregation.'  (Psalm 
X.  9.)  He  acknowledges  and  owns  the  truth.  And 
as  John  the  Baptist,  his  forerunner,  had  said,  *  I 
am  not  the  Christ,'  (John  1.  2').  iii.  23^.)  Jesus,  on 
the  contrary,  answers  to  the  High  Priest,  in  these 
words:  *  Thou  hast  said,  I  am  ,'  i.  e.  It  as  you  sav,  I 
am  the  Saviour  of  the  vv'-orld  promised  by  God,  tlie 
true  and  only  begotten  Son  of  my  Fathei*.  '  Here- 
after, continues  our  blessed  Lord,  shall  ye  see  the  Son 
of  Man,  sitting  on  the  right  hand  of  pov/er,  and  com- 
ing in  the  clouds  of  heaven.'  The  import  of  these 
words  seems  to  be  tliis  :  "  I  now  stand,  indeed,  before 
your  tribunal,  as  a  despised  son  of  man  ;  and,  on  this 
account,  instead  of  giving  credit  to  my  confession, 
you  exclaim  against  it  as  blaspbemous.  But  1  declare 
unto  you  before  it  comes  to  pass  (so  that  you  will  not 

VOL,  n.  <^  SS 


418  APPENDIX. 

be  able  to  plead  i.ajnorance)  that  in  a  few  days,  I  shall  be 
quite  ill  a  clifFerem  situation  from  that  in  which  I  appear 
at  present.  For,  after  I  am  risen  again  from  the  dead, 
1  shall  seat  myself  on  my  Father's  right  hand,  and 
jointly  with  him,  hold  the  reinsof  universal  dominion. 
My  Father,  for  whose  honour  you  blindly  imagine 
yourselves  so  zealous,  and  suppose  that  in  condemn- 
ing me  to  death  you  do  him  an  acceptable  service  ; 
He,  I  sav,  after  all  my  sufferings  and  disgrace,  will 
again  glorify  me  as  his  Son,  will  exalt  me  above  all 
angels  and  created  beings,  and  commit  all  power  to 
me  both  in  heaven  and  in  earth.  After  that,  I  shall 
appear  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  as  on  my  triumphal 
car,  and  will  set  up  my  spiritual  kingdom,  and  man- 
ifest my  power,  before  my  friends  and  enemies.  This 
coming  of  the  Son  of  Man  in  his  kingdom,  some  of 
you  shall  live  to  see,  (Matt,  xvi  28.)  and  shall  feel  and 
experience  such  proofs  and  tokens  of  my  exaltation, 
as  (unless  you  obstinately  persist  in  your  unbelief) 
will  fill  you  with  unspeakable  terror  and  amazement." 
By  this  answer,  our  blessed  Saviour  refers  his  judges 
to  a  passage  in  the  Psalms,  (Pslm  ex.  1.)  and  another 
in  the  prophecy  of  Daniel,  (Daniel  vii.  13,  14.) 
ivhere  the  Messiah  is  described  as  sitting;  on  the  risrht 
hand  of  God,  and  coming  m  the  clouds  of  heaven. 

The  same  noble  confession  is  repeated  by  our  bles- 
sed Lord  the  following  morning,  when  he  is  again 
brought  before  the  great  council,  and  asked  the  same 
question,  namely,  '  Art  thou  the  Christ  tell  us  V 
Now  as  Jesus  had  before  signified  to  the  Jewish  rulers 
the  injustice  of  their  proceedings  against  him,  since 
they  were  determined  to  put  him  to  death,  whatever 
defence  he  might  make  to  clear  himself  from  their  ac- 
cusations. He  a  second  time  tells  them,  that  '  Here- 
after they  should  see  the  Son  of  Man  sitting  on  the 
right  hand  of  God,  and  receiving  power  to  shed  abroad 
his  Holy  Spirit  on  his  Apostles,  and  to  set  up  his  king- 
dom among  Jews  and  Gentiles  all  over  the  Vvorld  ;  but, 
at  the  same  time,  to  punish  and  destroy  his  enemies.' 


APPENDIX.  419 

Hence,  on  the  High  Priest's  asking  him  this  question 
a  second  time,  'Art  thou  the  Son  of  God?'  he  :igaiu 
answered,  '  Thou  sayest  it,  lam.' 

O  faithful  Saviour !  tiius  with  thy  silence  hast  thou 
atoned  for  our  unnecessary  words,  and  with  thy  candid 
confession  our  prevaricating  evasions,  if  we  duly  repent 
of  tliem,  and  beUeve  in  thy  name  !  At  the  same  time, 
thou  hast  left  us  an  illustrious  example  confidently  to 
declare  the  truth  whatever  may  be  the  consequences, 
and  to  fear  no  dangers,  nor  even  death  itself,  when  we 
are  called  upon  to  bear  witness  to  the  truth.  Thus  I 
have  shewn  you  what  preceded  the  condemnation  t>f 
our  blessed  Saviour. 

P  A  Pv  T.     H. 

Let  us  now,  my  beloved,  in  the  second  place,  t-Ac 
a  view  of  the  circumstances  which  accompanied  the 
sentence  of  death  passed  on  (lur  blessed  Lord.  I;i 
order  to  pronounce  sentence  of  death,  it  was  necessary- 
first  to  prove  the  prisoner  guilty  of  some  capital  crime, 
that  deserved  such  punishment.  We  must  therefore 
here  enquire. 

First,  Lito  the  crime  laid  to  the  charire  of  our 
Saviour,  and. 

Secondly,  The  sentence  passed  in  consequence  of 
that  charge. 

The  crime,  of  which  our  great  High  Priest  stood 
accused,  was  blasphemy.  For  v/hen  he  had  openly 
confessed  that  he  was  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  most 
high  God,  and  that,  within  a  short  time,  he  would 
sit  on  the  right  hand  of  his  Father,  and  Come  in  tiie 
clouds  of  heaven,  as  his  triumphal  car;  Caiaphas 
•ried  out,  *  He  hath  spoken  blasphemy,  what  further 
need  have  we  of  witnesses  ?  Behold,  now  ye  have 
heard  his  blasphemy.'  The  sin  of  blasphemy  consisLs 
either  in  speaking  irreverendy  and  contemptuously  of 
God,  or  in  appropriating  to  ourselves  what  essentially 
belongs  to  God  ;  a  robbery  and  presumptuous  auda- 
ciousness, not  to  bethought  of  widio^ut  horis^J'.     Now 


420  A?!' END  IX. 

as  the  High  Priest  took  Jesus  for  a  mere  man,  and  yet 
heard  him  give  himself  out  to  be  the  bon  of  God,  and, 
by  assuming  a  seat  on  God's  throne,  make  himself 
equal  with  God ;  he  concluded  that  he  blasphemed, 
aiicl  consequently  deserved  to  die.  That  this  dreadful 
accusation  might  have  the  more  specious  appearance, 
and  mifkc  the  stronger  impression  on  the  other  mem- 
bers of  tlie  great  council,  the  High  Priest  rent  his 
clothes.  This  was  customary  among  the  Jews,  as  a 
token  of  extreme:  grief,  or  to  testify  their  abhorrence 
of  any  blasphtmons  expressions  they  happened  to 
hear.  I'hus  Jacob  rent  his  clothes  on  hearing  of 
Joseph's  death,  (Gen.  xxxvii.  34.)  and  Hezekiah  did 
the  same,  when  he  was  informed  of  Rabshakeh's 
blasphemous  expressions  against  the  God  of  Isreal. 
(2  Kings  xix.  i,)  This  hypocritical  behaviour  bore 
an  appearance  of  a  singular  ztal  for  God's  honour ; 
and  the  High  Priest  intended  by  it  to  signify,  that  his 
heart  was  pierced,  and,  as  it  were,  rent  with  grief 
and  indignation,  by  the  horrible  blasphemy  which  he 
had  just  heard.  But  in  reality,  this  extravagant  rend- 
ine"  liis  garment  Vvas  an  outward  act  ol  the  most 
wicked  grimace  and  hypocrisy;  for  this  iniquitous  and 
blood-thirsty  judge  was  inwardly  glad  at  his  heart,  that 
he  had  got  some  foundation  to  pass  sentence  of  death 
on  the  innocent  Jesus. 

Reflect,  my  brethren,  whether  our  blessed  Saviour 
was  not  in  these  circumstances  to  atone,  on  con- 
dition ot  our  f .ith  and  repentance,  for  the  hypocrisy 
of  joining  in  the  outward  ceremonies  of  Divine  wor- 
ship, wiihout  the  real  devotion  of  the  heart;  ofieign- 
ing  seriousness  and  contrition,  and  strictly  to  keep 
fast-days,  &c.  when  at  the  same  time  the  heart,  instead 
of  being' duly  affected,  with  all  this  outward  show  re- 
mains depraved,  corrupt,  and  unbroken  ;  basks  in  the 
love  ot  the  world,  and  its  sinful  pleasures ;  and  not- 
withstanding all  these  outward  formalities,  by  new  sins 
crucifies  the  Son  of  God  afresh.  Oh,  that  everyone 
here,  who  finds  tliis  to  be  his  own  case,  may  humble 


APPENDIX.  421 

himself  before  his  Saviour,  and  penitently  implore 
the  forgiveness  of  such  wicked,  such  detestable 
hypocrisy  ! 

Secondly,  Upon  this  supposed  crime  the  whole 
spiritui;!  court  ol  the  Jtws  proceed  to  pass  sentence. 
For  when  the  High  Priest  puts  the  question,  '  What 
think  ye  ?'  in  order  to  collect  the  sufir.;ges  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  council,  thty  unanimously  cry  out,  '  He 
is  guilty  of  death.'  They  do  not  previously  enquire 
whether  the  confession  of  Jesus  is  to  be  accounted 
blasphemy  ;  this  they  take  for  granted,  and  declare 
him  from  whose  mcuth  such  v.ords  proceed,  to  be 
guilty  of  death.  They  make  the  Divine  law  the  pre- 
tence for  passing  this  iniquitous  sentence  ;  for  it  is 
said  in  Leviticus,  '  He  that  blasphemeth  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  shall  surely  be  put  to  ce^th,'  (Lev.  xxiv.  16.) 
In  confonriity  to  this  lav/,  [against  whicli,  according 
to  the  intei  prctation  of  the  Jewish  doctors,  those  who 
denied  the  unit} ,  holiness,  or  truth  of  the  Divine  Being 
were  supposed  to  transgress]  they  all  judged,  that  the 
Prince  of  Liie,  by  assuming  to  hims:.-lf  divine  ho- 
nours, and  the  tirle  of  the  Son  of  God,  according  to 
justice  and  equity,  ought  to  be  put  to  death.  And 
though  the  good  Nicodemus  and  Joseph  of  Arama- 
thea,  if  they  were  present,  might  protest  against  such 
iniquitous  proceedings,  and  declare  their  disappro- 
bation of  them;  (Luke  xxiii.  50,  51.)  it  was  to  no 
purpose,  they  \vere  out-voted  by  a  very  large  ma- 
jority. It  was  therefore  decreed  by  the  council,  that 
he  was  guilty  of  death, 

A  few  hours  after,  when  the  morning  was  come, 
this  sentence  was  ratified.  For  as  Jesus  repeated  his 
confession  that  he  was  the  Son  of  God,  the  council 
confinned  their  decree,  and  said  one  to  another,  whixt 
further  need  have  we  of  witness  s,  we  ourselves  have 
heard  it  from  his  mouih  ?  /\s  il  they  had  said,  since 
,  he  has  repeated  his  blasphemy,  though  we  have  allow- 
ed him  some  hours  ior  recoilection,  and  still  persists 
in  it,  wt  judge  it  proper  tQ  coriiix'-ni  the  sentence  5  as 


42i  APPENDIX. 

he  haS  blasphemed  the  name  of  God,  he  liiust  die 
ihe  death. 

Thus  did  the  builders  reject  that  most  precious 
corner  stone,  which  God  had  determined  to  lay  in 
Sion.  Thus  was  the  Hope  of  Israel,  and  the  desire 
of  nations,  condemned  by  his  own  people.  Thus  was 
the  Captain  oi  Salvation,  and  the  Prince  of  Life,  sen- 
tenced to  death  by  a  wicked  abuse  of  the  Divine  law. 
O  dreadful  and  unheard  of  transaction  !  that  the  great 
Angel  of  the  Covenant,  who  himself  had  given  the  law 
on  JNlount  Sinai,  should  be  condemned  as  a  trans- 
gressor of  the  hw  ;  and  that  He,  by  whose  spirit  the 
jioly  scripture  was  inspired,  should  be  declared  guilty 
of  blasphem},  and  sentenced  to  die  from  that  scrip- 
ture. Ltt  n  ne  he  nceforth  take  offence  at  seeing  how 
often  tht  wiuiess?  s  oi  truth  are  still  condemned  to  die 
by  ignorant  zealots,  through  their  false  expositions  and 
misapplications  of  the  holy  scripture. 

P  A  11  T     HI. 

MA^•Y  useful  observations  might  be  here  made  on 
this  extraordinary  sentence  ;  but  as  the  time  allowed 
for  discourses  delivered  from  the  pulpit  will  not  per- 
mit, it  is  necessary  that  we  should  proceed,  in  the  third 
place,  to  take  into  consideration  what  followed  after 
sentence  was  pronounced  on  our  blessed  ^5aviour. 

When  the  sanhedrim  or  great  council  of  the  Jews 
had  passed  sentence  of  death  on  our  blessed  Lord,  as 
a  blasphemer,  the  assembly  broke  up,  for  the  night 
was  pretty  far  spent,  and  left  Jesus  in  the  hands  of 
their  servants  ;  who  passed  the  remainder  of  the  night 
in  treating  the  Son  of  the  most  high  God,  with  infer- 
nal abuse,  outrages,  and  indignities.  Concerning  this 
circumstance  it  is  said  in  the  text,  *  And  the  men  who 
held  Jesus  mocked  him,  smote  him,  and  buffeted 
him,  and  spit  in  his  face.  And  they  blindfolded  him, 
and  struck  him  on  the  face  with  the  palms  of  their 
li2nds,  and  asked  him,  saying.  Prophesy  unto  us,  thou 
Christ,  who  it  is  that  smote  thee  ?  And  many  other 
things  blasphemously  spnkc  they  against  him.* 


APPENDIX.  423 

I  sincerely  acknowledge,  dearly  beloved,  my  inca- 
pacity to  unfold  this  mystery  of  impiefy,  this  work  of 
darkness ;  nor  can  I  form  to  myself  an  adequate  idea 
of  the  monstrous  indignities,  which  the  Lord  of  Glory 
.suffered  during  this  night  from  the  engines  of  satan. 
Only  consider,  ye  devout  and  pious  souls,  that  if  a 
servant  could,  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  council,  and 
all  the  respectable  assessors,  presume  to  strike  our  glo- 
rious Redeemer  on  the  face  ;  consider,  I  say,  to  what 
enormous  lengths  these  shameless  miscreants  would 
run,  when  they  had  him  alone,  when  he  was  given  up 
to  their  brutal  insolence,  and  when  no  body  was  present 
who  would  in  the  least  check  their  inhuman  rage.  Un- 
questionably there  were  present  on  this  occasion,  a 
greater  number  of  evil  spirits  than  of  men  ;  and  the 
former  directed  the  hands  and  tongues  of  this  riotous 
multitude,  that  all  the  indigniiies  which  hell  could 
contrive  might  be  put  on  our  Redeemer.  This  was 
the  black  hour,  when  the  prince  of  darkness  and  his 
apostate  angels  were  let  loose  against  the  Son  of  (jod, 
and  loaded  the  humble  patience  and  gentleness  of  this 
Divine  person  with  the  vilest  abuses  and  most  shock- 
ing indignities. 

Here  that  sacred  person,  who  was  to  bruise  the  ser- 
pent's head,  suffered  the  sharpest  of  its  envenomed 
stings  both  in  body  and  mind. 

His  exalted  prophetic  office,  for  which  his  Father 
had  anointed  him,  and  bestowed  on  him  the  gilt  of 
wisdom  without  measure,  was  most  impiously  mock- 
ed, and  consequently  his  mind  must  have  suffered  ex- 
treme anguish.  For  his  eyes  being  covered  wirh  a 
bandage,  those  who  struck  him  with  then-  impious 
hands  said,  '  Prophesy  unto  us,  thou  Christ,  who  it 
is  that  struck  thee.'  How  must  the  heart  of  the  bles- 
sed Jesus  have  been  affected  at  this  monstrous  im- 
piety !  How  many  melancholy  looks  did  he  cast  on 
these  outrageous  miscreants,  but  without  any  other 
effect  than  inflaming  their  brutal  insolence !  Some- 
times his  cheeks  were  red  and  inflamed  with  their  in- 


424  APPENDIX. 

human  buffetings ;  at  other  times,  they  became  pale 
at  the  horrid  impiety  of  these  infatuated  uretches,  and 
the  thoughts  of  the  heavy  judgments  that  were  to  come 
upon  them. 

Our  blessed  Lord  must  hkewise  have  suffered  in 
his  sacred  body  ;  and  every  one  of  his  five  senses 
must  have  conveyed,  painful  sensations,  in  order  to 
expiate  those  sins,  which  men  commit  by  the  indul- 
gence and  abuse  of  their  senses.  As  we  so  oiten 
turn  our  eyes  to  forbidden  objects,  and  give  a  free 
scope  to  wanton  glances  ;  so  he  suffers  his  innoce  nt 
dove-like  eyes  to  be  insultingly  blind-folded  and  co- 
vered. As  we  take  a  pleasure  in  listening  with  our 
ears  to  lies  and  slanders,  to  profane  jests  and  impure 
ribaldry,  so  he  was  obliged  to  hear  the  most  hos  rible 
sarcasms  and  bitter  invectives.  His  smell  was  offend- 
ed  with  the  stench  of  the  loathsome  spittle,  that  was 
cast  in  his  sacred  face  by  these  inhuman  wretches. 
His  taste  was  offended  by  the  vinegar  and  gall,  which 
they  afterwards  gave  him  to  drink.  His  feeling  was 
offended  by  the  strokes  and  biows,  winch  he  patiently 
endured ;  and  all  this  he  underwent  to  atone,  upon 
our  repentance,  for  all  those  kinds  of  voluptuousness 
and  delicacy  vvliichare  commitre.l  by  the  senses,  and 
to  facilitate  to  us  the  denial  of  a.l  si;  iful  gratifications. 

But  who  can  sufiicientiy  admire  the  patience  and 
geritieness  which  the  Son  of  God  shewed  amitist  all 
these  indignities,  mockeries,  and  outrages  "?  Aias,  how 
full  of  resentment  are  we  poor,  sinful  worms,  when, 
accordmg  to  the  modern  phrase,  our  honour  is  touch- 
ed !  How  do  these  men  of  honour  kindle  into  a 
flame  of  rage,  at  the  least  uncourteous  word  !  They 
make  it  a  point  neither  to  bear  nor  forgive  any 
injury  or  affront ;  and  the  least  offence  must  be  re- 
venged by  a  law- suit  or  the  sword,  and  atoned  for  by 
blood.  And  he  who  should  be  so  unfashionable  as 
to  forbear  either  the  one  or  the  other  of  these  me- 
thods of  revenge,  would  be  judged  a  person  void  of 
spirit,  and  lost  to  all  sense  .of  honour.     O  wretched 


APPENDIX.  425 

ambition,  proud  madness  and  frenzy  !  How  dare  such 
men  mention  the  name  of  Christ,  who  look  on  the 
imitation  of  his  patience  and  ajentleness  as  a  scandalous 
meanness  of  spirit !  For,  according  to  their  wretched 
notions  of  honour,  they  must  account  the  ever-gio- 
rious  Son  of  God  himself  to  have  been  a  mean  spi- 
rited person  ;  since  he  patiently  put  up  even  with 
blows  and  insults,  without  offering  to  avenge  him- 
self, or  to  make  the  least  resistance. 

Here  the  Lord  of  glory,  before  whom  the  cherubims 
themselves  veil  their  effulgent  faces,  stands  with  his 
face  bound  and  cavered  by  way  of  mockery,  and  so 
disfigured  with  spittle,  outrages,  and  blows,  as  not 
to  be  known.  His  ears  ring  with  the  most  prophane 
blasphemies,  the  most  virulent  sarcasms,  the  bitter- 
est invectives ;  and  his  sacred  head,  worthy  of  un- 
perishable  crowns  and  diadems,  is  struck  and  buffet- 
ed with  innumeral)le  blows.  But  if  v/e  could  see 
into  the  thoughts  of  his  heart,  we  should  stand  amazed 
at  the  placid  tranquillity  of  his  heavenly  mind.  No 
thoughts  of  revenge  are  harboured  there  ;  no  invec- 
tive proceeds  from  his  sacred  lips.  '  He  is  as  a  deaf 
man  that  doth  not  hear,  and  as  a  dumb  man  that 
openeth  not  his  m.outh,  and  as  one  in  whose  mouth 
are  no  reproofs,*  (Psalm  xxxviii.  13,  14  ) 

All  these  outrages  he  receives,  not  as  proceeding 
from  men:  but  from  the  just  hand  of  his  heavenly 
Father,  as  punishments  for  the  immense  debt  of  our 
sins,  v/hich  he,  who  was  our  surety,  had  taken  on 
himself  to  discharge.  This  was  not  a  patience  and 
masrnanimity  merely  heroical,  nor  a  passive  submis- 
sion of  a  timorous  spirit.  On  the  contrary,  it  was  a 
most  perfect  sacrifice  to  the  will  ot  God;  and  the 
most  absolute  willingness  to  fulfil  the  scriptures,  to 
drink  the  cup  of  sufferings,  and  to  glorify  his  Father's 
name.  Oh,  that  this  sight  of  the  mocked,  insulted, 
and  outraged  Jesus  may  shame  our  resentful  tempers, 
and  mollify  the  pride  and  rancour  of  our  obc'v.-  '■'.'. 
ur.relenting  liearts. 

VOL.    IT.  N  h  h 


4-26  AVPLK  OIX. 

A  P  P  L I C  A  T  ION. 

Thus,  my  beloved  brethren,  \\c  have  seen  the 
Princt  of  Life  coj'demned  by  the  Jewish  rulers  to 
suffer  death.  We  have  heard  both  the  depositions  of 
the  false  witnesses,  and  his  own  glorious  confession. 
"V\'e  have  observed  how  he  was  condemned  to  die,  as 
a  blasphemer.  Lastly,  we  have  viewed  him  amidst 
the  cruel  mock  fry,  and  the  inhuman  outrages,  of  the 
brutal  soldiers  and  servants.  Let  us,  my  beloved  in 
fhe  Lord,  still  dwell  a  little  longer  on  this  affecting 
spectacle;  and  draw  from  it  some  inferences,  in  order 
to  induce  us, 

First,  To  express  a  hearty  sorrow  for  our  sins,  and 

Secondly,  To  encourage  us  to  a  filial  confidence, 
and  a  joyful  f.iith  in  God. 

First  then,  it  is  to  be  supposed  that  Jesus  was,  in 
his  own  person,  perfectly  innocent  and  without  sin ; 
iind  consequently  did  not  suffer  all  these  indignities 
and  injurious  trcatnierit  for  any  transgressions  of  his 
own.  For  tliough  the  sanhedrim  or  council  of  the 
..Tews  declared  him  a  blasphemer,  and  accused  him  of 
high  treason  against  the  majesty  of  heaven ;  yet  it  is 
evident  to  every  one,  that  this  was  the  accursed  effect 
of  envy  and  malice,  and  consequently  the  charge  was 
void  of  iiuy  real  foundation.  For  what  an  extravagant 
inference  was  that  drawn  on  another  occasion  by 
these  men  who  were  his  judges?  namely, 

'  This  man  is  not  of  God,  because  he  keepeth  not 
the  sabbuih  day,'  (John  ix.  16.)  and  even  opposeth  us 
who  have  the  honour  of  God  so  much  at  heart.  If 
he  be  notof  God,  he  belongs  to  the  devil,  and  as  he 
belongs  to  the  devil  there  cannot  be  a  more  horrid 
.blasphemy  than  his  pretending  to  be  the  Son  of  God. 

But  the  blessed  Jesus  was  otherwise  manifested  in 
the  consciences  of  his  enemies ;  as  Nicodemus,  a 
ruler  ot  the  Jews,  confessed  w^hen  he  spoke  these 
words  to  Christ,  in  the  name  of  them  all,  '  Rabbi,  or 
master,  we  know  that  thou  art  a  teacher  come  from 
God ;  for  no  man  can  do  these  miracles  that  thou 


APPENDIX.  4^27- 

doest,  except  God  be  with  him,'  (Johniii.  2.)  Our 
blessed  Lord  might  with  confidence  say,  to  the  foce 
of  his  most  inveterate  enemies  and  malicious  slander- 
ers, •  I  have  not  a  devil ;  but  I  honour  my  Father, 
and  ye  dishonour  me,'  (John  viii.  49.)  He  could  in 
his  filial  and  affectionate  converse  with  his  heavenly 
Father  even  say,  '  I  have  glorified  thee  on  earth  ;  J 
have  finished  the  work  which  thou  gavest  me  to  do. 
And  now,  O  Father,  gloiify  thou  me  with  thine  own 
self,  with  the  glory  which  I  had  with  thee  before  the 
world  was,'  (John  xvii.  4,  5.)  Could  a  blasphemer  dare 
to  converse  in  such  language  with  tlie  omniscient 
God  ?  And  would  God  have  raised  from  the  dead, 
visibly  taken  up  to  heaven,  crowned  with  praise  and 
honour,  and  placed  on  his  own  right  hand,  a  person 
^vho  had  robbed  him  of  his  honour,  and  usurped  his 
prerogative  ?  It  is  therefore  evident  that  Jesus  was 
innocent ;  and  consequently  desen'ed  no  sentence  of 
death,  no  rude  mockeries,  insults,  and  blows. 

Do  you  ask,  my  brethren,  what  was  the  cause  of 
all  those  inhuman  outrages  committed  against  the  Son 
of  God  ?  My  answer  is  :  Alas  !  for  yoin*  sins  and  "?nine 
he  was  smitten  and  afilicted,  Nay  Christ  himself  an- 
swers you  in  the  words  of  the  prophet :  '  Thou  hast 
made  me  to  serve  with  thy  sins ;  thou  hast  wearied 
me  with  thine  iniquities,*  (Isaiah  xiiii.  24.) 

As  for  the  caiu^e  of  his  being  sent  need  as  a  blas- 
phemer for  miking  himself  the  Son  of  God,  it  is  to  be 
sought  for  in  the  fall  of  our  first  parents,  of  which  we 
have  all  been  partakers.  Man,  in  the  state  of  inno- 
cence, was  his  Creator's  beloved  child  ;  but  instead 
of  being  satisfied  with  that  glorious  privilege,  he  was 
for  mounting  higher  ;  he  was  for  attaining  to  the  sum- 
mit of  Divine  perfection,  and  being  equal  to  God  him- 
self, thegreat  author  of  his  being.  Seduced  by  sataii 
he,  with  the  most  impious  arrogance,  sought  to 
deprive  his  Creator  of  the  honour  and  pre-eminence 
due  to  him,  to  ascend  his  exalted  throne,  and  to  seat 
himself  there  as  an  equal  with  God.     But  he  thereby 


428  APPENDIX. 

became  like  the  devil,  at  whose  instigation  he  fell, 
and  rendered  himself  obnoxious  to  temporal  and  eter- 
nal death. 

Now  for  the  atonement  of  these  horrid  sins,  com- 
mitted by  the  human  race,  the  true  and  essential  Son 
of  God,  '  who  accounted  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal 
with  God,'  was  not  only  to  empty  himself  of  his 
Divine  glory ;  but  also  to  suffer  himself  to  be 
sentenced  to  death,  as  a  blasphemer  who  deified  him- 
self. And  this  he  did  to  expiate  our  presumption  in 
endeavouring  to  make  ourselves  as  gods  by  knowing 
good  and  evil,  and  again  to  acquire  for  us  the  glorious 
liberty  of  being  the  sons  of  God.  How  many  thou- 
sands presumptuously  pretend  to  be  the  children  of 
God,  and  would  fain  be  accounted  such  by  others, 
who  are  utter  strangers  to  the  purity  and  holiness  re- 
quired in  the  gospel  ?  To  atone  for  this  sin,  if  such 
men  sincerely  repent  of  their  presumptuous  arrogance 
and  spiritual  pride,  the  only  Son  of  God  was  in  this 
afflictive  manner  to  satisfy  Cod's  offended  justice,  and 
not  only  to  suffer  his  real  Godhead,  which  he  held  of 
the  Father  by  eternal  generation,  to  be  reviled;  but 
likewise  to  permit  the  glorious  character  of  his  Divine 
Sonship  to  be  ridiculed  and  reviled ;  nay,  he  suffered 
this  indignity  from  the  meanest  slaves,  on  whom  he 
himself  had  bestowed  life,  and  breath,  and  power  to 
insult  him. 

Therefore  when  we  see,  with  the  eye  of  faith,  our 
dear  Redeemer  standing  before  the  tribunal  of  the 
wicked,  insulted  and  beaten  by  the  licentious  servants, 
and  his  awful  and  benign  countenance  covered  with 
their  loathsome  spittle  ;  we  are  not  to  suppose  that  all 
we  have  to  do  is  to  pity  our  suffering  Sa-.  iour ;  to 
bewail  him  with  lamentations  and  tears;  and  to  express 
our  indignation  against  the  servants  and  soldiers,  who 
thus  treated  him,  by  curses  and  execrations.  For 
thoug;h  they  so  horribly  sinned  against  the  Son  of  God, 
yet  were  they  only  the  instruments  to  inflict  those 
indii^nitics,  which  our  sins  brought  on  him  ;  for  they 


APPENDIX.  429 

laid  on  him  the  iniquities  of  us  all,  and  he  was  bruised 
for  our  transgressions.  By  our  sins,  we  all  assisted 
at  this  infernal  carnival.  By  our  sins,  we  also  mocked 
and  struck  the  Prince  of  Life,  and,  as  it  were,  spit  in 
the  face  of  him,  who  is  the  brightness  of  his  Father's 
glory,  and  the  express  image  of  nis  person.  Our  sins 
were  present,  and  consequently  shared  in  the  impious 
rage  and  violence,  which  these  miscreants  committed 
against  the  innocent  Lamb  of  God. 

Alas,  my  beloved  brethren,  did  we  rightly  consider 
this,  it  would  be  impossible,  that  we  should  walk  so 
carelesly  and  find  such  delight  in  sin  !   "  Supposing, 
a  malefactor  (to  borrow  the  words   of  Luther,  who 
makes  this  comparison,  in  his  sermon  on  the  sufferings 
of  Christ,)  was  to  be  executed  for  murdering  the  son 
of  a  prince,  or  king,  and  in  the  mean  time,  thou,  O 
sinner,  wert  carelesly  singing  and  revelling  till  thou 
wert  seized  by  the  officers  of  justice,  and  convicted  of 
having  aided  the  assassin  as  an  accomplice  to  perpe- 
trate   the    murder :    With  what    agonizing    terrors 
wouldest  thou  be   filled,  especially  if  thy  conscience 
likewise  flew  in  thy  face,  and  confirmed  the  accusa- 
tion ?  With  much   more   violent  convulsions  ought 
thy  guilty  mind  to  be  agitated,  when  thou  art  reflect- 
ing on  the  sufferings  of  Christ.     For  the  wicked  Jews, 
were  the  servants  of  thy  sins,  and  thou  in  reality  art  he, 
who  by  his  sins  hath  put  to  death  and  crucified  the 
Son  of  God."     But  alas  !  what  will  be  done  to  the 
sinner,  since  God's  beloved  Son  has  been  thus  rigor- 
ously  treated?  He  experienced  no  clemency,  or  alle- 
viation of  his  sufi'erings.     As  he  had  taken  on  himself 
the  enormous  p:uilt  of  our  blasphemies,  our  haughti- 
ness and  presumption,  our  sensuality  and  depravation, 
and  allowed  that  they  should  be  imputed  to  him,  as 
our  security  ;  he  was  looked  on  and  treated  no  other- 
wise, than  if  he  himself  had  committed  these  and  the 
like  sins,  and  consequently  the  innocent  Jesus  suffered 
the  punishment  of  them,  instead  of  the  guilty. 


430  APPENDIX. 

Dost  thou  not  see,  O  WTCtched  sinner,  the  rigorous 
severit}-  of  God,  and  his  insupportable  wrath  against 
the  henious,  wicked  \vays  of  men  ?  And  \vilt  thou  still 
sport  and   play    with  sin   as  a  darling  bosom  child, 
when  so  glorious  a  person  has  suffered  so  much,  and 
laid  down   his  life   on  account  of  it  ?  or  dost    thou 
vainly  imagine  that  the  Son  of  God  suffered  himself  to 
be  sentenced  to  die,  to  be  mocked,  insulted,  buffeted, 
and  spit  upon,  merely  to  procure  for  thee  the  privilege 
of  sinnmg  with   impunity  ?  Dost  thou  suppose  that 
this   stupendous  transaction  came  to  pass  that  thou 
mightest  have  the  liberty  of  doing  evil,  and  going  on 
in  trespasses  and  sins  ?     How  vain  and  groundless  is 
the  imagination  !   for  it  has  not  so  much  as  a  shadow^ 
of  probability  on  its  side.     The  adorable  person,  who 
was  crucified  for  thy  sins,  teaches  thee  to  draw  another 
kind  of  inference  from  his   unspeakable   sufferings  : 
For  when  he  was  led  to  his  crucifixion,  he  spoke  these 
memorable  and  pathetic  word:  'If  they  do  these  things 
in  a  green  tree,  what  shall  be  done  in  the  dry  ?  (Luke 
xxiii.  31.)  If  God  has  not  spared  his  only,  his  beloved 
Son,  when  he  took  on  himself  the  guilt  of,  and  atoned 
for  the    sins  of  others,  what  rational  hopes  canst  thou 
entertain  that  he  ^vill  spare  a  degenerute  child,  who 
has  forfeited  his  birthright,  and  is  determined  to  con- 
tinue in  sin?  Nay,  can  such  a  one  expect  any  indul- 
gence, as   perhaps   makes  a  jest  of  repentance  and 
sanctific;)tion,  and  in  the  presumptuous  depravity  of 
his  heart  dares  ask  this   impious  qucbtion,   "  If  I  am 
obliged  to  lead  a  life  of  piety  and  holiness,  what  ne- 
cessity was  there    of  Christ's  dying  forme?   What 
occasion  is  there  for  his  imputed  merit,  if  I  do  not 
sin,  but  lead  a  pious  and  godly  life  ?" 

Therefore,  O  sinner,  forbear  by  an  obstinate  con- 
tinuance in  sin  to  spit  on  and  mock  him,  who  from  a 
cordial  love  to  thy  immortal  soul,  hath  suffered  indig- 
nities, pain,  and  death ;  and  who,  without  any  reluc- 
tance or  contradiction,  permitted  the  sentence  of  tem- 
poral death  to  be  passed  on  him,  in  order  to  deliver 


APPENDIX.  431 

ithee  from  the  sentence  of  eternal  death.  Wilt  thou 
still  take  a  deHghtin  sin,  the  expiation  of  which  cost 
thy  Mediiitor  so  much  pain  and  sorrow  ?  B-hold  his 
sacred  face  swelled  by  blows,  and  covered  witii  blood  i 
Behold  his  eyes  quite  sunk  and  weighed  dovvn  with 
ag-ony  and  want  of  sleep  !  Stand  a  while  before  this 
aflfecting  spectacle  ;  and  with  prayers  and  tears  dwell 
on  the  consideration,  that  the  Prince  of  Life  was  in- 
sulted, spit  on,  struck,  and  even  condemned  to  die 
an  ignominious  death,  till  thou  art  made  sensible  of  the 
heinousness  of  thy  sins,  and  thy  heart  is  filled  with  hor- 
ror at  the  thought  of  them.  Let  it  be  a  matter  of  un- 
speakable grief  to  thee,  that  thou  hast  so  outraged  the 
Son  of  God,  and  as  it  were  insulted  the  Lord  of  a^lory^ 
and  given  thy  vote  for  the  sentence  passed  on  him. 
Thus,  the  passion  of  Christ  will  lay  in  thee  a  true 
foundation  for  godly  sorrow,  and  a  sincere  repentance. 
For,  (again  to  make  use  of  the  pious  Luther's  words) 
*'  This  is  the  proper,  natural  effect  of  our  Saviour's 
passion,  that  it  transforms  men,  as  it  were,  into  his 
likeness  ;  so  that  as  Christ  suffered  extreme  tortures 
in  soul  and  body  for  our  sins,  we  also  should,  by  the 
-consideration  of  our  manifold  sins,  be  tortured  in  the 
mind  and  conscience.  This  is  not  the  efiect  of  mere 
words,  but  of  deep  reflection  and  serious  detestation 
of  sin.  Thus  the  passion  of  Christ  performs  its  proper, 
natural,  and  effectual  operation ;  it  mortilies  the  old 
Adam,  expels  all  sinful  desires,  all  delight  and  confi- 
dence in  the  creatures.  Then  we  are  grieved  in  our  con- 
sciences, and  are  displeased  with  our  past  sinful  lives. 
But  (to  proceed  in  Luther's  words)  he  who  finds  him- 
self so  obdurate  and  insensible,  that  Christ's  passion 
works  no  such  pious  emotions  in  him,  ought  to  fear 
that  he  does  not  turn  his  thoughts  invv^ard  on  himself, 
so  as  to  know  his  own  heart.  For  the  only  alternative 
is  this,  thou  must  be  made  conibrmable  to  the  image 
and  sufferings  of  Christ  either  in  this  life  or  that  which 
is  to  come.  At  least,  tliesc  terrors  will  overwhelm 
thee  on  thy  death-bed.     Thou  sh;ilt  then  shudder  and 


432  APPENDIX. 

tremble,  and  teel  all  that  Christ  suffered  on  his  cross. 
O  dreadful  situation  for  a  dying  man  !  Therefore  im- 
plore God,  that  he  would  mollify  thy  obdurate 
heart,  and  grant  that  thou  maytst  so  meditate  on 
Christ's  passion,  as  to  bring  forth  its  happy  fruits  in 
thee."  Let  me  intreat  you,  my  dearly  beloved,  to 
follow  such  good  advice  ;  and  be  assured  that  you  will 
never  repent  of  it. 

But  we  are  not  to  rest  here.  When  we  are  brought 
to  a  knowledge  and  sense  of  our  sins,  by  considering 
the  sufferings  of  Christ,  we  must  again  and  again 
detest  and  abhor  them,  and  again  empty  the  oppres- 
sed conscience  of  them.  And  Oh,  what  an  encour- 
agement to  faith  and  confidence  in  God  arises  from  the 
condemnation  of  Christ !  For  behold,  O  pious  soul, 
which  art  inwardly  terrified  at  hearing  the  sentence  of 
death  passed  on  the  Son  of  God ;  thou  who  sayest 
within  thyself,  If  this  be  done  in  the  green  tree,  what 
will  become  of  me  a  dry  and  barren  trunk  ?  thou  who 
couldest  abhor  thyself  for  having  insulted  the  image  of 
the  invisible  God  ;  thou  who  wouldest  suffer  any  loss 
or  inconveniency  whatever,  rather  than  mock  and 
outrage  him  afresh  by  new  deliberate  sins ;  Behold,  I 
say,  thy  Mediator!  Thou  hast,  indeed,  deserved  the 
sentence  of  death ;  but  thy  surety,  out  of  his  un- 
speakable love  to  thee,  has  appeared  in  thy  stead,  and 
has  permitted  it  to  he  vicariously  passed  on  himself, 
that  thou  n lightest  enjoy  eternal  life.  He  has  endured 
the  accusations  of  false  witnesses,  that  the  accuser  of 
thy  brethren  might  be  foiled  at  the  Divine  tribunal. 
He  was  condemned  as  a  blasphemer  for  acknowledg- 
ing that  he  was  the  Son  of  God,  in  order  to  atone  for 
mttn's  impiety,  who  endeavoured  to  make  himself  a 
God,  and  that  thou,  through  faith  in  his  name,  might- 
estbe  restored  to  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of 
God.  He  did  not  Iiide  his  face  from  shame  and  spit- 
ting, that  thou  mightest  with  joy  lift  up  thy  face  before 
the  tribunal  of  God.     The  mockeries  and  insults. 


APPENDIX.  433 

which  he  endured,  have  acquired  thee  a  right  to  bliss 
and  glory ;  and  the  strokes  and  blows  to  which  he 
submitted  have  procured  thee  an  exemption  from  the 
buffetings  of  satan. 

Rejoice  then  and  be  exceeding  glad !  Dost  thou 
with  a  penitent  heart  believe  on  the  condemned  Son 
of  God  ?  then  shalt  thou  not  be  condemned.  He  has 
been  judged  and  sentenced  to  die,  therefore  thou  shalt 
not  come  unto  judgment;  but  shalt  pass  from  death 
imto  life.  Thy  condemned  brother  is  exalted  to  the 
right  hand  of  God,  and  will  one  day  judge  those  who 
have  judged  him  ;  but  as  for  thee,  if  thou  boldest  out 
to  the  end  in  faith  and  good  works,  he  will  set  thee  on 
his  right  hand,  and  introduce  thee  into  his  endless  joy 
and  never-fading  glory. 

Hold  out  still  a  little  longer  in  thy  conflict  against 
sin,  and  suffer  not  deceitful  and  wicked  lusts  to  have 
dominion  over  thee  ;  for,  in  the  condemnation  of  thy 
surety,  sentence  of  death  was  passed  also  on  them. 
Be  not  ashamed  of  thy  Saviour's  reproach.  Rejoice 
when,  in  following  him,  thou  art  thought  worthy  to 
suffer  insults,  mockery,  and  blows  on  account  of  his 
sacred  truth ;  for  he  hath  sanctified  such  insults  and 
indignities,  and  appointed  them  as  honorary  marks  to 
distinguish  his  follou^ers  from  the  rest  of  the  world. — 
Strive  to  imitate  the  blessed  Jesus  in  his  patience  and 
gentleness,  and  pray  to  him,  that  he  would  impart  to 
thee  that  placid,  dove-like  temper,  and  calm  serenity 
with  which  he  suffered  reproach,  and  submitted  to  the 
most  flagrant  injustice.  Boldly  confess  him  before 
men,  that  he  may  also  confess  thee  before  his  Father 
and  the  holy  angels.  Love  him  who  has  loved  thee 
even  unto  death,  till  thou  seest  him  face  to  face,  when 
thou  shalt  eternally  rejoice,  and  be  transformed  into 
the  likeness  of  him  who  was  once  despised  and  re- 
jected of  men,  but  now  shines  in  the  most  effulgent 
gl  ory . 

VOL.  II.  I  i  i 


434  APPENDIX. 

THE     PRAYER. 

O  THOU  condemned  Lamb  of  God  !  eternal  thanks- 
o-iving  and  praise  be  ascribed  to  thee  for  permitting 
the  sentence  of  death  to  be  pc^.ssed  on  thee,  that  thou 
miehtest  acquire  a  right  to  eternal  life  for  those  who 
shall  believe  in  thy  name.  Biess  to  all  our  souls  this 
account  of  thy  condemnation.  May  the  words,  '  He 
is  guiitv  ol  death,'  be  as  a  thunder- clap  in  our  ears,  and 
strike  our  careless  depraved  hearts  with  a  salutary 
terror,  that  they  may  be  laid  low  in  the  dust,  and 
brought  to  a  godly  sorrow  and  sincere  rt  pcntance. 
But  grant,  that  it  may  also  be  a  balsam  of  life  to  ail 
those  afflicted  and  troubled  consciences,  which  carry 
in  them  the  sentence  of  death,  and  make  thy  cross 
their  refuge.  Say  unto  them,  your  heart  shall  live 
forever.  Ma)^  the  whole  merit  of  thy  passion  be 
imputed  to  them,  for  the  remission  of  their  sins  ;  and 
may  they  be  rendered  capable  of  imitating  thy  mlld- 
Dcss,  patience,  and  submission,  and  .even  willingly 
to  take  on  them  thy  reproach  and  thy  sufferings. — - 
Grant  this  for  the  sake  of  thy  holy  name.     Amen. 

THE    END. 


**        "•  '^:'"    '^MiSi^m^a^'Miiik^Ji^' 


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